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From the Throne of 
Saul to Bethlehem 



BY 



Chas. S: Medbury 

M 

Minister of one of the largest churches in 

the world, and author of "From Eden 

to the Jordan" and "From the 

Jordan to the Throne of Saul. ' ' 

FOR 

ADVANCED TRAINING-CLASSES, ADULT 

BIBLE CLASSES, COLLEGE CLASSES, 

BIBLE CLASSES, Y. M. AND Y. W. 

C. A. BIBLE CLASSES, ETC. 



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PUBLISHED BY 

THE STANDARD PUBLISHING COMPANY, 
Cincinnati, O. 

Copyrighted. 1911, by the Standard Publishing Company. 



.A* 



P x v\* 



sp 



Introductory Word 



Two little volumes — "From Eden to the Jordan" and 
"From the Jordan to the Throne of Saul" — have pre- 
ceded the studies here presented. Just what work these 
volumes have done, no one can tell. If they have made 
the Way clearer or more beautiful, the heart that shaped 
their pages is glad. 

It will be borne in mind that in all this work little 
more than a simple introductory survey is possible. 
We are merely listening while the Book speaks — rever- 
ently opening life to the message of our God just as it is 
given On the pages of his word. Interpretations are 
for others. However legitimate their place in other 
works, they do not belong in this. And yet, at the last, 
he is best fitted to interpret and to pass judgment upon 
"problems" who knows best the very letter of revelation 
and has partaken most of its spirit. Hence the real 
value of outline work ih&t keeps close to the text and 
close to Him who gaw it. 

With fervent prayer that those who keep company 
together in the pathways here sketched may find new 
joys in Him whom Bethlehem reveals, the work is com- 
mitted to the favor of our God. C. S. M. 



©CI.Aa83«7H 



Table of Contents 



I. Blazing the Way. 

II. Literature of the Period. 

III. The Reign of Saul. 

IV. The Reign of Saul — Continued. 
V. The Reign of David. 

VI. The Reign of David — Continued. 

VII. The Reign of Solomon. 

VIII. The Reign of Solomon — Continued. 

IX. Davidic Prophecies. 
X. Review. 

XI. Early Days of the Divided Kingdom. 
XII. The Captivity of Israel. 

XIII. The Captivity of Judah. 

XIV. Prophets of the Divided Kingdom. 

XV. Trials and Triumphs in the Land of Bondage. 
XVI. The Return to Jerusalem. 
XVII. Rebuilding the Temple. 
XVIII. The Cheer of Prophets. 

XIX. From Malachi to Christ. 

XX. Review. 

Drill Question*. 
List of Charts. 

For a list of the many charts found in this book 

sec the last page. 



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lessons.) 

3. A Bible-school Vision, by P. H. Welshimer. (Ten lessons.) 

SECOND YEAR (Fifty Lessons) 

1. From Jordan to the Throne of Saul, by Chas. S. Medbury. 

(Twenty lessons.) 

2. Studies in the Epistles and Revelation, by Prof. W. B. 

Taylor. (Twenty lessons.) 

3. Missions, Vol, I„ by Prof. Chas. T.'Paul. (Ten lessons.) 

THIRD YEAR (Fifty Lessons) 

1. From the Throne of Saul to Bethlehem, by Chas. S. Med- 

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2. Common Sense, by E. W. Thornton. (Twenty lessons.) 

3. Missions, Vol. II., by Prof. Chas. T. Paul. (Ten lessons.) 

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From the Throne of Saul to Bethlehem 



LESSON I. 

Blazing the Way 

I. OUTLINE OF THE SCRIPTURES. 

1. First Period. 

(1) Xante. The first period of Old Testament 
history is termed the period of Probation. 

(2) Extent. The "first period extends from the 
Creation to the Deluge. 

(3) Scripture. The Scripture of the first period is 
Gen. 1: 1-8: 14. 

2. Second Period. 

(1) Name. The second period of Old Testament 
history is termed the period of Preparation. 

(2) Extent. The second period extends from the 
Deluge to the Exodus. 

(3) Script nrc. The Scripture of the second period 
is Gen. 8: 5-Ex. 14: 31. 

3. Third Period. 

(1) Name. The third period of Old Testament 
history is termed the period of Conquest. 

(2) Extent. The third period extends from the 
Exodus to the coronation of Saul. 



6 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

(3). Scripture. The Scripture of the third period 
is Exodus 15-40. Leviticus, Numbers. Deuteronomy, 
Joshua, Judges, Ruth and the first ten chapters of 
1 Samuel. 

4. Fourth Period. 

( 1 ) Name. The fourth period of Old Testament 
history is the period of Power. 

(2) Extent. The fourth period extends from the 
coronation oi Saul to the division of the kingdom. 

(3) Scripture. The Scripture of the fourth period 
is 1 Samuel 11-31, 2 Samuel, I Kings 1-11, 1 Chronicles 
10-20, 2 Chronicles 1-9, Job (of unknown date), Psalms, 
Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon. 

5. Fifth Period. 

( 1 ) Name. The fifth period of Old Testament 
history is the period of Decline. 

(2) Extent. The fifth period extends from the 
division of the kingdom to the Babylonian captivity. 

(3) Scripture. The Scripture of the fifth period 
is 1 Kings 12-22, 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles 10-36, Isaiah, 
Jeremiah, Lamentations, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Jonah, 
Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk and Zephaniah. 

6. Sixth Period. 

(1) Name: The sixth period of Old Testament 
history is the period of Servitude. 

(2) Extent. The sixth periofl extends from the 
Babylonian captivity to Christ. 

(3) Scripture The Scripture of the sixth period 
is Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Ezekiel, Daniel, Obadiah. 
Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi. 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

II. KEYWORDS FOR OLD TESTAMENT 
BOOKS. 

Genesis Beginnings. 

Exodus Wilderness Life. 

Leviticus Priesthood. 

Numbers Census. 

Deuteronomy Law's Restatement. 

Joshua Conquest. 

Judges Dark Ages. 

Ruth Faithfulness. 

1 Samuel The Rise of the Kingdom. 

2 Samuel The Kingdom in Power. 

1 Kings The Kingdom in Weakness. 

2 Kings The Kingdom in Captivity. 

1 and 2 Chronicles .... Supplemental History. 

Ezra Reform. 

Xehemiah Restoration. 

Esther Palace Patriotism. 

Job Patience. 

Psalms Praise. 

Proverbs Precepts of Wisdom. 

Ecclesiastes Meditation. 

Song of Solomon Love. 

Isaiah The Kingdom of God. 

Jeremiah Captivity of Judah. 

Lamentations Sorrow. 

Ezekiel Israel's Restoration. 

Daniel Fearless Devotion. 

Hosea Sins of Israel. 

Joel Plagues of Judah. 

Amos Divine Judgments. 

Obadiah Destruction of Edom. 



8 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

Jonah Fall of Nineveh. 

Micah The Mount of Jehovah. 

Nahum Nineveh's Ruin. 

Habakkuk Chaldean Invasion. 

Zephaniah Woes for Judah. 

Haggai Temple Rebuilding. 

Zeohariah The New Israel. 

Malachi ,. . The Coming One. 

III. STOPPING-PLACES EN ROUTE. 

It seems profitable to review here, as steps in our 
journey, some places that rise as mountain peaks in the 
pathway of human experience. 

1. Eden — Garden of delights — the first home of the 
race. 

2. Ararat — Resting-place of the ark. 

3. Ur — Home of Terah and Abram. 

4. Haran — First stop of Abram on the way to 
Palestine. 

5. Shcchem — First stop of Abram within the borders 
of Palestine. 

6. Bethel and Hebron — Homes of Abram within the 
promised land. 

7. Egypt — Scene of striking experiences in lives of 
Joseph and Moses. 

8. Wilderness — The land of Israel's teaching and 
discipline. 

9. Oilgal — Place of Israel's first camp in Canaan. 

10. Jericho — Scene of first victory in Canaan. 

11. Ai — Scene of first defeat in Canaan. 

12. Ebal and Gerizwi — Mountains of blessings and 
curses. 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 9 

13. Oibeon — Scene of victory over allied forces of 
Canaan. 

14. Shiloh —Second camp of Israel. 

15. Kadesh, Hebron anpl Shechiem — Cities of refuge 
west of Jordan. 

16. Beater, Golan and Ramoth — Cities of refuge east 
of Jordan. 

17. Shechem — Scene of great assembly of Israel to 
hear farewell message of Joshua: 

18. The Land of Moab — Scene of our introduction to 
Naomi, Ruth and Orpah. 

10. The Hill Country of Ephraim — Home of Samuel's 
parents. 

20. Kiriatli-jearim — Place of the ark after its 
recovery from the Philistines. 

21. Mizpah — Scene -trf Israel's assemblies. Place 
where Saul was proclaimed king. The starting-point of 
our journey in the present book. 

IV. ACQUAINTANCES ON THE WAY. 

In any journey one of the greatest delights is the 
comradeship afforded. How wonderful the privileges on 
the way to Bethlehem ! 

1. Leading Characters: 

(1) Adam— The first man. 

(2) Noah — Preacher of righteousness. 

(3) Abraham— Father of the faithful. 

'4^ Joseph — Victor in prison and upon the throne^ 

(5) Moses — Israel's great lawgiver. 

MS) Joshua — Hero of the period of Conquest. 

(7) Gideon — Intrepid leader of the three hundred. 

(8) Samuel — Last of the judges, first of the prophets 



10 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

2. Associate Characters: 

( 1 ) Eve, Cain, Abel and Seth of the first home. 

(2) Shem, Ham and Japheth, sons of Noah. 

(3) Sarah, Lot, Isaac and Jacob, linking with Abra- 
ham's life. 

(4) The brothers oi Joseph and the Pharaoh of 

Egypt. 

(5) Jethro, Aaron and Nadab of Closes' day. 

(6) Caleb, heroic associate of Joshua; and Achan, 
man of sin. 

(7) Samson and Ruth — Marked figures in period of 
Judges. 

(8) Hannah, the devoted mother of Samuel, and Eli. 
whose worthy intent pleads against his weakness. 

V. FOREGLEAMS. 

In the earlier volumes of our series we have carefully 
noted the prophecies looking toward the coming of 
Christ. The words are words of cheer as we journey 
on toward Bethlehem. Let us look again to promises of 
the coming One! 

1. The Seed. — Gen. 3 : 15. The seed of the woman 
shall bruise the serpent's head. 

2. The Lamb. — Gen. 4: 4. The lamb in altar sac- 
rifice foretells the Lamb of God. 

3. Bless All Families. — Gen. 12: 1-3. One is 
coming of Abram's seed in whom "all families of the 
earth" are to be blessed. 

4. Shiloh.— Gen. 49: 10. From tribe of Judah, 
Shiloh is to conic 

5. Prophet.— Dent. 18: 15-19. We are to find 
a prophet "like unto Moses." 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 11 

6. Joshua a Type. — Heb. 4: 8. Joshua a type of 
Christ in the conquest of the "'promised land" for the 
people of God. 

7. Ruth an Ancestress. — Matt. 1:5-16. In the 
person of Ruth an ancestress of Jesus. 

8. Perpetual Priesthood. — 1 Sam. 2: 35, 36. The 
perpetual priesthood known in Christ alone. 

VI. TOPICS FOR CLASS DISCUSSION. 

1. Why has there not been greater interest in Bible 
study? 

2. What are the causes of the present awakening? 

3. What bearing will Bible study have upon the 
problems of the unity of God's people and the evangeliza- 
tion of the world? 

4. What is the bearing of Bible study upon the intel- 
lectual culture of those denied educational advantages in 
schools and colleges? 

VII. LESSONS FROM THE LESSON. 

1. How pitiful the life to which Bethlehem is 
nothing but a word! 

2. The safest pathways for our feet are the path- 
ways of our God. We may go safely and with joy 
where he has opened the way. 

3. God is in the picture when mankind is at its 
best. • 

4. The true heroes of all the ages have the setting 
of life in the divine. 

5. To walk with great souls of earth you must be 
willing to walk with God! 

Drill Questions. — Use questions 1 to 33 in the 
back of this book. 



12 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 



BLACKBOARD REVIEW CHART. 

BLAZING THE WAY. 
1. Out of Scrip, 



1. Fir. Per. 

(1) Na. i2j Ext. (3) Scrip. 

2. Sec. Per. 

(1) Na. 1 2) Ext. (3) Scrip. 

3. Thi. Per. 

(1) Na. (2) Ext. (3) Scrip. 



4. Four. Per. 

(1) Na. (2) Ext. (3) Scrip. 

5. Fif. Per. 

(1) Na. (2) Ext. (3) Scrip. 

6. Six. Per. 

(1) Na. (2) Ext. (3) Scrip. 



II. Keywords for O. T. Books. 



Gen.— Beg. 
Ex.— Wild. Li. 
Lev.— Priesth. 
Num. — Cens. 
Deut.— Law's Restat. 
Josh.— Conq. 
Judg.— Da. Ag. 
Ruth— Faithf. 

1 Sain.— Ri. of Kingd. 

2 Sam.— Kingd. in Pow. 

1 Kings— Kingd. in Weak. 

2 Kings— Kingd. in Captiv. 
1 and 2 Chron. — Supplem. 

Hist. 
Ez.— Refo. 
Neh.— Restor. 
Esth.— Pal. Patriot, 
Job — Patien. 
Ps.— Pra. 
Prov.— Prec. of Wisd. 



Eccl.— Medita. 
S. of Sol.— Lo. 
I sa.— Kingd. of God. 
Jer.— Captiv. of Jud. 
Lam.— Sor. 
Ezek.— Isr.'s Restor. 
Dan.— Fear. Dev. 
Hos.— Si. of Isr. 
Joel— Plag. of Jud. 
Amos— Div. Judg. 
Obad.— Des. of Ed. 
Jonah— Fa. of Nine v. 
Mic— Mou. of Jehov. 
Nan— Ninev.'s Ru. 
Hab.— Chald. Invas. 
Zeph.— Wo. for Jud. 
Hag.— Temp. Rebu. 
Zech.— Ne. Isr. 
Mai.— Com. on. 



III. Stop. Pla. Enr. 



Ed. 

Arar. 

Ur. 

Har. 

Sheen. 

Beth, and Heb. 

Egy. 

Wild. 

GM* 

Jer. 

Ai. 



12. Eb. and Geriz. 

13- Gib. 

14. Shil. 

15 Kad., Heb., Sheen 

16. Bez., Gol., Ram. 

17. Shech. • 

18. La. of Mo. 

19. Hilt Coun. of Ephr. 

20. Kir.-jear. 

21. Mizp. 



1. Lead. Char. 



TV. Acq. on Wa. 
V. Foregl. 



2. Assoc. Char. 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 13 

LESSON II. 

Literature of the Period 

In this lesson we desire simply to call attention to 
the untold treasures in the literature covered by the 
lessons of this book. Possibly the suggestion of rich 
results from further study will prompt many lovers of 
God's word to dig deeper in this exhaustless mine. 

I. HISTORY. 

The history of the reigns of Saul, David and Solomon 
is in itself of unusual interest. Israel was great in the 
days of the world's life represented by these names — 
greater far than most of us realize. Put this statement 
to the test by seeking important contemporaneous events, 
and a surprise awaits you! Redpath speaks of the 
primacy of Israel being extended by their successful 
wars from the Red Sea to the banks of the Euphrates, 
and adds: "All the remnants of the old pagan nations 
around the borders of Palestine were reduced to absolute 
subjection." 

Later the same author alludes to Solomon as "per- 
haps the most cultured and certainly the most splendid 
king of his times." 

Such being the standing of Israel in world life, no 
student of history, no man or woman of affairs, can 
afford to pass carelessly the record the Bible contains. 
And when the final dramatic unfolding is in mind — 
division of the kingdom, invasions, captivity and the 
return to and rebuilding of Jerusalem — there is appeal 



14 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

to any one who has the least concern for the wonderful 
story of man! 

II. SIDE-LIGHTS OF HISTORY. 

Apart from the regular unfolding of Israel's history, 
three books find place that are uniquely interesting. 
Ezra is a reformer. In a day of testing he stands for 
God. Ashamed, and blushing to lift up his face, he 
cries to Heaven in Israel's behalf. 

Nehemiah, too, is of heroic mold. Turning from a 
post of ease and honor in an alien land, he welcomes 
heartache and burdens for his own people. Tempted 
to leave his task on temple walls, he answers with 
sublimity of purpose: "I am doing a great work, so 
that I cannot come down." 

Esther is a queenly queen. In royal palace, with 
duty to God a hazard to life, she rings true. The 
simple beauty of these lives, and their dignity, will 
make them appeal to any careful reader of the narrative, 
man or woman, boy or girl. 

III. A MANUAL OF PRAISE. 

Not stopping for special comment upon the wonderful 
Book of Job, let us look for a moment at the Psalms. 
How often we quote them — a few of them; how little 
we really appreciate their marvelous beauty and power! 

Mr. Gladstone quotes John Bright as telling him 
that he would be content to stake upon the Book of 
Psalms, as it stands, the great question whether there 
is or is not a divine revelation. "It was inconceivable 
to him," adds Mr. Gladstone, "how a work so widely 
severed from all the known productions of antiquity, 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 15 

and standing upon a level so much higher, could be 
accounted for except by a special and extraordinary aid 
calculated to produce special and extraordinary results; 
for it is reasonable, nay, needful, to presume a due 
correspondence between the cause and the effect/' 

For himself, Mr. Gladstone says, after speaking of 
the "depth, richness, tenderness and comprehensiveness" 
of the Psalms, that "to the work they have accomplished 
there is no parallel upon the earth." And, continuing, 
his heart of faith further declares itself in the following 
striking tribute to the book before us: "For the present 
I put aside all details, and am content to stand upon 
this fact — that a compilation, which began (at the 
latest) with a shepherd of Palestine, three thousand 
years ago, has been t lie prime and paramount manual of 
devotion from that day to this; first for the Hebrew race, 
both in its isolation, and after it was brought into rela- 
tions with the Gentile world ; and then for all the Chris- 
tian races, in all their diversities of character and 
circumstance; . . . and wherever the pursuits of 
the inner life have been most largely conceived and 
cultivated, there, and in the same proportion, the 
Psalms have towered above every other vehicle of general 
devotion." Surely such tributes challenge the attention 
of others to this wondrous book of praise! 

IV. PRECEPTS OF WISDOM. 

It is a complete change to turn from the Psalms to 
Proverbs. Exalted praise yields to practical applica- 
tions of the truth of God. Hardly a phase of human 
relationships is here passed by without pithy admoni- 
tions as to the lines of right conduct. Little, miserable 



1G 8AUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

hypocrisies, deceiving the very elect, are here uncovered, 
and wholesome — peace and joy promoting — admonitions 
are at every hand. 

The proverb possesses great advantages in communi- 
cating truth. It not only portrays a point clearly, but 
in a way to be remembered — few words and a striking 
picture; a bold outline suggesting much more than is 
said. 

"Travelers in the East assure us that reverence for 
proverbs still exists, and that nothing gives a man so 
much advantage in an argument as the ability to quote 
one of them on his side. We may therefore conclude 
that the wise king could have found no wiser mode of 
impressing truth on the minds of his countrymen than 
the one he has here chosen." 

V. PROPHECY. 

A fifth wonderful type of literature in the lessons 
before us is prophecy. Heaven giant that even the little 
that is possible here may quicken interest in the won- 
derful messages of those spokesmen for God. 

It is to be noted at once that the prophets were not 
only heralds of events to come, as many think of them, 
but they were dauntless preachers of righteousness, 
protesting against evil in the world life immediately 
about them. Their hearts cry out in a most pathetic 
way at times — a very moan of pleading. Again, in 
jealousy for outraged truth, they stand aloof from the 
people,- pronouncing just judgments, and still again. 
in triumph of faith, they foretell the final victory, when 
the knowledge of the glory of the Lord shall cover the 
earth as the waters cover the sea. 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 1-7 

And, best of all, through the writings of the prophets 
there runs the very lifeline of the economy of God. 
Little by little the way brightens, until finally in 
heavenly light angels are revealed to men and their mes- 
sage is of Bethlehem! 

VI. TABLE OF HISTORY OF PERIOD OF 
POWER. 

1. Saul anointed king. 

2. David in fields of Jesse. 

3. David anointed by Samuel. 

4. David slays Goliath. 

5. Saul, defeated, kills himself. 

6. David king of Judah. 

7. David king of Israel. 

8. Jerusalem taken and made the capital. 

9. David sins grievously. 

10. David's rebuke by Nathan. 

11. The king in penitence. 

12. Solomon born. 

13. Absalom in rebellion. 

14. Solomon proclaimed king. 

15. The temple built and dedicated. 

16. Solomon's death. 

17. The kingdom divided. 

VII. TREASURES OF THE PSAL.MS. 

1. Heaven's idea of a happy man — Psalm 1. 

"His delight is in the law of Jehovah." 

2. Promise of wondrous conquest— Psalm 2. 

"The earth for thy possession." 

3. Sweet rest in the Lord- — Psalm 4. 

"In peace will I both lay me down and sleep." 



18 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

4. An everyday appeal — Psalm 19. 

"The heavens declare the glory of God.'' 

5. The shepherd's care — Psalm 23. 

"Jehovah is my shepherd; I shall not want," 
These few but suggest hundreds of precious gems. 

VIII. WISDOM FOR EVERY DAY. 

1. What is first? 

"The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of knowledge" 
('Prov. 1:7). * 

2. What to do with a place of temptation. 
"Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass pn" 

(4- 15). 

3. Heaven's view of business dishonor. 

"A false balance is an abomination to Jehovah" 
(11: 1). 

4. Who lives well ? 

"He that is of a cheerful heart hath a continual 
feast" (15: 15). 

5. Who is real victor? 

"He that ruleth his spirit H* better] than he that 
taketh a city" (10: 32). 
Find scores of others. 

IX. GEMS FROM THE PROPHETS. 

1. Nature's Praise to Nature's God. — "The 

mountains and the hills shall break forth before you 
into singing, and all the trees of the Held shall clap 
their hands" (Isa. 55: 12). 

2. Jehovah's Precious Ministry. — "I will seek 
that which was lost, and will bring back that which was 
driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, 
and will strengthen that which was sick" (Ezek. 34: 1G). 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM* 19 

3. Jehovah's Just View of Sin. — "Woe to the 

bloody city! it is full ■ of lies and rapine; the prey 
departeth not" (Nah. 3:1). 

4. "Our Father is Rich." — "The silver is mine, 
and the gold is mine, saith Jehovah of hosts" ( Hag. 
2: 6-8). 

5. The Sweet Last Word. — "But unto you that 
fear my name shall the sun of righteousness arise with 
healing in its wings" (Mai. 4:2). 

BLACKBOARD OUTLINE. 

*■ ■ ■ — — * 

LITERATURE OF THE PERIOD. 

I. Hist. II. Side-light of Hist. III. A Man of Pra 

IV. Prec. of Wis. V. Proph. 

VI. Tab. of Hist, of Per. of Pow. 

1. Sa. An. Ki. 10. Dav.'s Rebu. by Nath. 

2. Dav. in Fie of Jesse. 11. Ki in Penit. 

3. Dav. Anoin. by Sam. 12. Solo. Bo. 

4. Dav. Sla. Goli. 13. Absa. in Rebell. 

5. Sa. Def., Ki. Him. 14. Solo. Proe. Ki. 

6. Dav. Ki. of Jud. 15. Temp. Built and Dedic. 

7. Dav. Ki. of lsr. 16. Solo.'s Dea. 

8. Jerus. Tak. and Ma. t!ap. 17. Kingd. Div. 

9. Dav. Si. Griev. 

VII. Treas. of the Ps. 

1. Heav.'s Ide of Hap. Ma. 4. An Ev. Da. Appe. 

2. Prom, of Wond. Conq. 5. Shep.'s Ca. 

3. Swe ; Re. in the Lor. 

VIII. Wisp, for Ev. DAo 
1. Wha. is Fir. 3. Heav.'s Vi. of Bus. Dish. 

•2. Wha. to Do wi. a Pla of 4. Who Liv. Well 

Temp. 5 Who is Re. Vict. 

IX Gem. from the Proph. 

1. Nat's Pra. to Nat.'s God. 4 Ou. Fath. is Ri 

2. Jeh.'s. Prec. Minis. . 5. The Swe. La Wo. 

3. Jehov.'s Ju. Vi. of Si. 

**& 
Drill Questions. — Use questions 34 to 45 in fhe v 

back of this book. 



20 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 




SILL TO BETHLEHEM. 21 



LESSON III. 

The Reign of Saul 

1 Sam. 11: 1-13: 15 

I. THE SIEGE OF JABESH-GILEAD. 

(1 Sam. 11: 1-11.) 

1. A Dreaded Foe. — The Ammonites are enemies 
of long standing. Israel has reason to fear them. The 
repulse by Jephthah ninety years before the events of 
this lesson (Judg. 11: 29-33) did not bring entire relief. 
The movements of Nahash (1 Sam. 12: 12) were at least 
partly responsible for Israel's demand for a king. His 
approach to Jabesh-gilead carried terror with it. 

2. A Confession of Weakness. — Jabesh of 
Gilead. east of the Jordan, was in the assignment to 
the half tribe of Manasseh. These people now feel their 
separation from the strength of western Israel, and in 
their weakness and fear quickly ask of Xahash terms 
of surrender. 

3. Pitiless Conditions. — Feeling that he has the 
men of Jabesh in his power, Xahash names the brutally 
cruel condition that in their surrender their right eyes 
shall be put out. This was not unusual in the bar- 
barous days of which we are studying. It was thought 
a move of military sagacity thus to disqualify a fallen 
foe for any future warfare. And Nahash admits the 
further motive of bringing "a reproach upon all Israel." 

4. Seven Days' Respite. — In taint hope of es- 



22 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

caping the dread exactions of Nahash, men of Jabesh 
ask seven days' respite and then send messengers to 
plead for help from western Israel. 

5. Grief of the People. — The fellowship of the 
tribes east and west of Jordan is indicated by the grief 
that marked the reception of the sad word from Jabesh. 
"All the people lifted np their voice and wept." 

6, Saul to the Relief. — Israel's new king acts 
promptly when word of conditions at Jabesh reaches 
him. (1) Cutting in pieces a yoke of oxen, he sends 
messengers throughout all Israel declaring that a like 
fate awaits the oxen of rebellious subjects who refuse 
to rally to the standards of Saul and Samuel. (2) He 
numbers the people at Bezek, nearly opposite the ford 
crossing the river to the east, and finds himself in com- 
mand of an army of three hundred and thirty thousand 
men. (3) The messengers from Jabesh are directed to 
return home with the cheering word, "'To-morrow, by the 
time the sun is hot, ye shall have deliverance." (4) Men 
of Jabesh, in confidence, send forth to the besiegers a 
subtle message asking no more time than "to-morrow," 
and (5) the morrow does its promised work in the 
complete defeat of the Ammonites. 

II. THE KING'S KINGLINESS. 

(1 Sam. 11: 12, 13.) 

1. Voice of the Disloyal. — When Saul was first 
proclaimed king, some said: "How shall this man save 
us? And they despised him, and brought him no 
present" (1 Sam. 10: 27). 

2. Counsel of the Loyal. — Enthused by Saul's 
triumphant leadership, his ioya! followers now wish him 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 23 

to take vengeance upon those who had sougkt to dis- 
credit him. 

3. The Decision of Saul. — As Saul wisely ''held 
his peace" at the fust. so. now, he is master of himself. 
Refusing to make the great victory over the Ammonites 
a means of self-exploitation, he gives the praise for 
deliverance to Jehovah, and declares that no man shall 
be put to death in such an hour of Heaven's favor. 

III. ASSEMBLY AT GILGAL. 

(1 Sam. 11: 14-12: 25.) 

1. Confirmed in the Kingdom. — At the sug- 
gestion of Samuel, the people assemble at Gfilgal — a 
place of note in the history we are tracing — and there, 
in formal way, and in all reverence before God, Saul 
is confirmed in his position as king of Israel. 

2. A Life beyond Question. — In opening his 
address at Gilgal, Samuel, the aged prophet, vindicates 
his right to speak by reference to his worthy life before 
all Israel. Walking before them from his youth, he 
yet dares challenge the people to point out fraud or 
injustice And the challenge of life stands ! 

3. The Leadings of God. — The second step in 
Samuel's address is the reminder that, in all the past, 
the leader and helper — the dependence of Israel — has 
been Jehovah. He has raised up men to meet the needs 
of different days. He has given heed to Israel's peti- 
tions. He has wrought deliverance. Xow he has 
granted them a king. 

4. Ways of Favor and Disfavor. — The third 
step in the word of appeal from Samuel is the plain 
setting iorth oi the way of the favor of God for Israel 



24 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

over against the way of divine disfavor. If they fear 
Jehovah, hearkening unto his voice and keeping his 
commandments, it will be well with them, but if they 
hearken not and are rebellious, the hand of Jehovah 
will be against them. 

5. The Seal upon the Message. — To attest his 
word to Israel, giving it the wondrous sanction of the 
divine, Samuel calls upon Jehovah for a rainstorm in 
the dry season of wheat harvest, and, his petition being 
granted, the people stand in awe before him and before 
Jehovah. How gracious such condescension of the 
Lord! How he stoops low to help! How little Israel 
needed a king! How much they needed faith! 

6. The People's Cry. — Moved to the depths of 
life by Samuel's great address and by Heaven's seal 
upon it, the people plead for mercy. They are humbled 
before God, and it is this they need. But "now that 
they have begun to fear," Samuel can say to them, 
"Fear not." Their danger was in a sense of strength 
and safety. Their safety is in a sense of weakness and 
danger. 'Samuel's work has been well done, and he can 
now assure Israel not only of his own prayers, but that 
"Jehovah will not forsake his people." Only must 
they "fear Jehovah and serve him in truth" with all 
their heart. Tf they still do wickedly, their king can 
not save them, but they shall be consumed, both they 
and their kifog! 

IV. A CRISIS IN ISRAEL. 
(1 Sam. 15' 1-15.) 

1. Armies of Saul. — -From the assembly al 
Gilgal, the greater part of the people turned homeward. 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 25 

Saul kept with him in Michmash and the mount of 
Bethel but two thousand men, and one thousand more 
were with Jonathan in Gibeah. 

2. Hostilities with. Philistines. — Doubtless 
with an understanding between father and son, Jonathan 
attacks and conquers the Philistines in'Geba. This is 
our introduction to Jonathan. It is also the introduction 
of further war with a formidable foe of Israel. The 
Philistines, aroused by defeat at Geba, rally a great 
host, and trumpet-calls throughout the land summon 
all Israel again to Gilgal. More is developing from 
Jonathan's expedition than either the king or his son 
had foreseen. 

3. Israel's Fear. — When the men of Israel find 
themselves facing the Philistines in multitude "as the 
sand upon the seashore," they lose heart entirely. Xot 
only losing confidence in Saul their king, they forget 
the strength of the God of Israel. Samuel's recent 
recital of Jehovah's leadings is lost to mind, and in 
disappointment we find the favored people seeking to 
protect themselves by hiding in caves, thickets, among 
the rocks and in coverts and pits! What a picture of a 
nation Jehovah brought forth from Egypt : 

4. The Crisis. — The real crisis is in the heart of 
Saul. Will he stand the test? What will be his de- 
pendence? If he rings true, "trembling" Israel can be 
rallied and the favor of God retained. 

5. The Tragedy. — A wonderful plav is on before 
our very eyes! Seeing as we now see, one is inclined 
to rush to Saul's help and bid him fight through man- 
fully the battle of his soul. But he must stand or fall 
through his own strength or weakness. God is awaiting 



26 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

the outcome. Samuel, with Heaven's aid, is drawing 
near Israel's camp. But Saul can not wait! The 
seventh day (1 Sam. 10:8) lias come, and Samuel is 
not pr-esent! Saul sees the people, in fear, deserting! 
He must save the situation! Usurping the place of the 
prophet of God and counting his presence immaterial, 
priests are ordered to offer sacrifices. The die is cast 
and we face a tragedy in the life of Saul and in the 
history of Israel ! 

6. The Rebuke. — Samuel, arriving before the 
close of the seventh day, faces Saul as he turns from 
the offerings. In vain the king explains. Whether 
it is perfectly clear to us or not, Saul has broken a 
known commandment of Jehovah (v. 13). Samuel tells 
him he has done "foolishly," and that, while he himself 
may continue as king over Israel, his house shall not 
furnish another for the throne. "Jehovah hath sought 
him a man after his own heart, and Jehovah hath 
appointed him to be a prince over his people, because 
thou hast not kept that which Jehovah commanded 
thee." Words of sadness which can not be described! 

V. TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION. 

1. What of the Ammonites in relation to Israel's 
life? 

2. What of the cruelties of war — now and of old? 

:\. What is the trend of sentiment with regard to 
war ? 

4. What wov^ the elements of strength in Saul? 

5. What were the elements of weakness in Saul? 
0. What do you like best about Samuel? Why? 

7. What was the real crisis in Saul's career? 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 27 

VI. LESSONS FROM THE LESSON. 

1. The greatest possible asset is an unquestioned 
life. 

2. Like Israel of old, our danger is in hours of 
seeming safety and our safety when we recognize our 
perils. 

3. It is a fearful thing to think of God turning 
from us to others to do his work, because of our 
unfaithfulness! Let us not repeat in our own lives the 
tragedy of Saul ! 

4. There is no weakness in generosity and forbear- 
ance. Saul was strong when he refused to use his 
power to overthrow those who were unwilling to applaud 
him. 

5. It is sometimes good to be great; it is always 
great to be good. 

BLACKBOARD OUTLINE. 



REIGN OF SAUL. 

I. SlEG. OF JAB.-GIL. 

1. Dread. Fo. 3. Pit. Condit. 

2. Conf. of Weak. 4. Sev. Da. Res. 

II. The King's King. 
: 1. Voi of Disl. 2. Coun. of Loy. 

III. ASSEM. AT GlLG. 

1. Confir. in King. 3. Lead, of God. 

2. Li. Bey. Ques. 4. Wa. of Fav. and Dial 

IV. Cris. in Isr. 

1. Arm. ofSa. 3. Isr.'s Fe. 

2. Host. wi. Phil. 4. Cris. 

♦ ■ - — •$. 

Drill Questions. — Use questions 40 to 07 in the 
back of this book. 



5. 
6. 


Grie. of Peep. 
Sa. to Rel. 


3. 


Dee. of Sa. 


5. 

6. 


Se. Up. Mess. 
Peop.'s Cry. 


5. 

6. 


Trap:. 
Reb. 



28 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 



TheWeak-Link-'Saul'sLife 

GOOD BODY 
GOOD MIND 

600D TRAINING 
OPPORTUNITIES 

0/SOB££>/£#C£ 

COURAGE 
LEADERSHIP 
GENEROSITY 
FORBEARANCE 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 29 

i 

LESSON IV. 

The Reign of Saul (Continued) 

1 Sam. 13: 16-15:23 
I. JONATHAN'S EXPEDITION. 

(1 Sam. 13: 16-14: 23.) 

1. The Prey of Philistines. — Encamped at Geba 
of Benjamin, the weakened forces of Saul are harassed 
by Israel's inveterate foes, the Philistines. "Spoilers'' 
from the latter's camp desolate different regions, mak- 
ing Israel's life well-nigh unbearable. 

2. Israel's Helplessness. — Israel probably had 
bows and arrows and slings for warfare, but for close 
contact in battle these were of no avail. The record 
evidently does not give us the complete account of 
their struggles with the" Philistines, resulting, at last, 
in their complete disarmament, so far as swords and 
spears were concerned, the smiths themselves having been 
taken captive. 

3. A Victory of Faith. — While depression was 
upon the camp of Israel — and, humanly speaking, there 
was every warrant for it — there was one at least who 
was not depressed. Wholly on his own initiative, Jona 
than plans an attack upon an outlying garrison of the 
Philistines. (1) It is a move of faith, Jonathan recog- 
nizing that, if Jehovah favors the enterprise, numbers 
are nothing. He can save "by many or by few." 
(2) A token of guidance is determined upon. The 
character of the greeting from the Philistines is to 
determine their course. (3) When the cry, "Come up 



30 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

to us," is heard, Jonathan and his armor-bearer press 
up the heights, in the firm conviction that Jehovah has 
delivered the Philistines into their hands. ( 4 ) Promptly 
attacking men of the garrison, who, completely sur- 
prised, are capable of but slight defense, twenty men 
fall before the two. Jehovah is working with those who 
fully trust him. ( 5 ) Consternation spreads in the ranks 
of the Philistines. Fear can not stand before perfect 
trust. An earthquake brings added terror to the fleeing, 
and joyous confidence to the hosts of Israel. (6) All 
those in camp reinforce Jonathan, and the Philistine 
discomfiture is complete. (7) Deserters from Israel's 
camp return, and those in hiding, reassured, now join in 
the pursuit. (8) "So Jehovah saved Israel that day." 
The victory is a victory of faith. 

II. JONATHAN'S RESCUE. 

(1 Sam. 14:24-46.) 

1. A Foolish Decree. — That his people's minds 
might be intent on just one thing — the overthrow of 
Israel's enemies — Saul pronounces a curse upon any of 
his force partaking of food until the evening. 

2. The People's Distress. — Saul's decree involved 
distress for the people, and, faint from lack of food, they 
are less able to Avork injury to the Philistines. The 
king has overreached. 

3. Jonathan Involved. — Having left the camp 
earlier than the others, Jonathan is in ignorance of 
the curse pronounced by his father. Finding honey in 
the field, he partakes of it, and, when told of the day's 
decree, speaks freely of Saul's unwisdom. 

4. Transgression of God's Law, — Though so- 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 31 

licitously anxious not to cross Saul's will and bring 
upon themselves the penalties of his curse, the people 
forget God's law against eating fle^h containing the 
blood (Lev. 17: 10-13). Ravenous for food, they fall 
upon the spoil of the day, eating of the sheep, oxen 
and calves "with the blood." Saul rebukes this, but his 
plan to avoid breaking the law is a makeshift. 

5. Heaven Silent. — Noting the restored strength 
of his people, Saul plans a continuation of the attack 
upon the Philistines. But a courageous priest dares 
to say to the king, "Let us draw near hither unto God." 
It was time for Saul to count in God in his plans! 
Assenting to the priest's suggestion and asking as to 
Heaven's will, Saul finds no response! The channels 
of approach to the throne are closed! 

6. Casting the Lot. — Feeling that sin in Israel is 
separating them from God, Saul resorts to the lot to 
find the guilty. There is-no proof whatever that Heaven 
guided the lot. Everything indicates the contrary. The 
spirit of the day on Saul's part was not such as to 
yield to the direction of God. But Saul is content. 
And when the lot indicates Jonathan at fault, he rests 
easy in the thought that Heaven has withdrawn his 
favor because Jonathan had eaten a bit of honey in 
violation of his decree! 

7. The People's Voice. — Perceiving the blind folly 
of their king, Israel rebels against Saul's word that 
Jonathan, the Heaven-sanctioned hero of the day. shall 
die. In protest that he dare not refuse to heed, they 
exclaim: "As the Lord liveth^ there shall not one hair 
of his head fall to the ground, for he hath wrought 
with God this da v." 



82 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

III. DAYS OF ACCEPTANCE WITH GOD. 

(1 Sam. 14: 47-52.) 

1. Successful Campaigns. — Though our last 
view of Saul was unfavorable, we must not forget the 
real service he rendered Israel. The chapter before us 
closes with a statement of the successful wars he 
waged. "Enemies on every side" were made to recog- 
nize his power. Moab, Amnion, Edom, Zobah are names 
that reflect his prowess, and the Philistines and Ama- 
lekites, special trials to him, were continually "vexed" 
by him and Israel delivered from their hands. The 
record i>» in a few verses, but the struggles were of 
years. 

2. The Family of Saul. — There is interest in 
the royal family. The king's wife's name was Ahinoam; 
his sons, Jonathan, Ishvi and Malchishua, and his 
daughters, Merab and Michal. We should also hold in 
mind his father's name, Kish, and Abner, the captain of 
his host. 

IV. DAYS OF REJECTION. 
(1 Sam. 15: 1-35.) 

1. Divine Judgment against Amalek. — Saul is 
to be given another opportunity to serve God in the lines 
of exact obedience. The first of Israel's foes, after 
they left Egypt (Ex. 17: 8-16). is to be destroyed. 'The 
destruction is to be without reservation or exception." 
Samuel speaks the word for Jehovah. And the com- 
mandment is clear and explicit. Saul's duty is per- 
fectly plain. 

2. The Justice of the Judgment. — Tt is not 
for us to defend the decrees of Jehovah. Believing 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 33 

in God at all, we must grant his superior wisdom — yes, 
and superior love. But a command like that with refer- 
ence to Amalek raises many questions. Note several 
things : ( 1 ) The Amalekites were a nomadic people, 
living, largely, by plundering others. (2) They were 
Israel's persistent foes (Ex. 17:8-16; Num. 14:45; 
Judg. 3:13; Judg. 6:3). ( 3 ) Their destruction had 
been foretold (Ex. 17: 14; Deut. 25: 17-19). (4) But 
God had delayed some five hundred years, giving ample 
opportunity for repentance. ( 5 ) Yet there was no 
change. At the time of our present lesson they are as 
they were in the days long gone (1 Sam. 14: 48). (6) To 
pass them by further would be to mock God, who, while 
"longsurTering" ( 2 Pet. 3:9), can not permit, in his 
love for the w T orld, the triumph of the im penitently 
sinful. ( 7 ) The word against men or nations — "The 
soul that sinneth, it shall die" — is not of bitterness. It 
is a mercy to all so to declare in advance sin's certain 
consequences, and a mercy to the world to enforce the 
decree. 

3. Disobedience. — Under orders from Samuel, 
Saul moves promptly in making preparations for the 
attack upon Amalek. And when the issue of war is 
joined, complete victory rests with Israel. So far all is 
well. But the hour of victory marks Saul's defeat. 
Disregarding utterly the plain word of Jehovah, he 
spares Agag, king of the Amalekites, and also the best 
of the cattle taken from Israel's foes. Everything that 
was "vile and refuse," and which, therefore, he did not 
want, he "destroyed utterly!" Vanity doubtless led 
to the preservation of Agag's life and simple greed to 
the taking of- the cattle. There is utter scorn of God's 



34 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

command and utter loss of sight of God's high purpose. 
4. Scenes of Sorrow. — It is with several pathetic 
incidents the chapter before us closes. ( 1 ) The Lord 
God himself is saddened by Saul's haughty spirit and 
his disobedience. Ascribing to him the feelings of men, 
he is said to "repent" of having raised up Saul to be 
king. (2) Samuel, the venerable and godly prophet, is 
cut to the heart by the word as to Saul's conduct and 
borne down to the very earth by the consequences of it. 
"All, night" he cries unto God to gain the mastery of 
himself for trying service awaiting him. (3) When Saul 
and Samuel come face to face there is sadness for us all. 
"How hath the mighty fallen!" The king of Israel a 
deceiver rebuked by the bleating of sheep and the lowing 
of oxen! (4) A sorrowful conversation follows in which 
Samuel feelingly reminds Saul of the days when he 
was but "little" in his own sight, rehearses the incident 
of the plain command against the Amalekites, and un- 
covers every pretense of loyalty on the king's part. 
05) Sternly the prophet finally asks — taking Saul at his 
own word as to his purpose in keeping the cattle — 
"Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt-offerings and 
sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord?" (6) He 
then tells the king definitely that God has rejected him. 

(7) Wretched Saul cries out, in seeming penitence, for 
pardon, but in an instant saddens us again by evading 
personal responsibility — ascribing blame to the people. 

(8) Piteously he cries for Samuel not to leave him, even 
rending the latter's robe in his despairing efforts to 
restrain the prophet, and the latter finally tarries while 
Saul worships. (9) Agag's frightful death — to be viewed 
in the light of his own career of butchery, and of the 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 35 

day's standards — is next recorded, and then (10), sad- 
dest of all, Saul leaver for Ramah — imagine his feelings 
as he turned away! — and the prophet saw him no more 
till the day of his death. Samuel, however, continues 
to mourn for him because of his wretched life in its 
relationship to God. What a trail of sorrow from 
SauPs sin! 

5. Days of Doom. — While the Scripture covering 
Saul's closing days is studied in relation to David, this les- 
son would be incomplete without noting the steps leading 
to the end of the sad life journey before us. There 
is little to brighten the way following the scenes of 
sorrow sketched above. ( 1 ) Turning from Saul to a 
man after his own heart, the Lord provides for the 
anointing of David. (2) David as a minstrel is intro- 
duced to the broken king. ( 3 ) The victory over Goliath 
and the Philistine army soon follows, and Saul's jealousy 
is aroused by the songs of the women. (4) He plans 
in many ways to take David's life. (5) The latter 
comes to be a fugitive. (6) Finally Saul is forced to 
meet his old foe, the Philistines, again, and it is his 
day of doom. (7) His army is defeated, his own sons 
killed, and in his abject misery the fallen king takes 
his own life ! As the curtain falls upon the scene, it 
hides from view one of the most pathetic pictures of all 
history. 

V. TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION. 

1. Would it be a mercy for God to allow infractions 
of his laws? 

2. If he were thus "merciful," what sort of condi- 
tions would soon prevail? 



36 


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SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 37 

3. Are laws for the good or bad people? 

4. What is the bearing of the insistence upon exact 
obedience in the Old Testament, upon the problems of 
obedience in the New Testament? 

5. Is it probable that the Lord cares less for gospel 
requirements than for demands of his word in days of 
old? 

6. Give an analysis of Saul's motives in sparing 
Agag and the best of the cattle. What do you think 
led him to do it? What considerations deceived him? 

7. What is the best lesson you gather from the 
life of Saul? 

VI. LESSONS FROM THE LESSON. 

1. The word of the Lord stands fast. 

2. Our God says what he means and means what he 
says (Matt. 7:21; 151:9; Gal. 1:8). 

3. The Lord is merciful, but mercy never # sets aside 
decrees of justice. The finally impenitent — as Amalek- 
ites — can not abide the judgment of God! 

4. Sin causes pitiful sorrow in which many are 
involved. Saul suffered grievously, but Samuel almost 
more, and Heaven itself was pained. The drunkard, the 
adulterer, the untrue in any line, bring many lives aside 
from their own to the very dust! 

5. In an emergency Saul trusted to his own devices. 
Men often do this. The pressure is upon them, and 
they feel that they must take the thing in their own 
hands — often sacrificing some point of honor. 

6. How good to remember that "man's emergency is 
God's opportunity." 



38 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

BLACKBOARD OUTLINE. 



♦- 



REIGN OF SAUL (Cont'd). 

I. Jonathan's Exped. 

1. Pre. of Phil. 2. Isr.'s Help. 3. Vict, of Fa. 

II. Jonathan's Resc. 

1. Fo. Dec. 3. Jona. Inv. 5. Heav. Sil. 

2. Peo.'s Dist. 4. Transg. of God's La. 6. Cast, the Lo. 

7. The Peo.'s Voi. 

III. Days of Accept, with God. 

1. Sure. Camp. 2. The Fam. of Sa. 

IV. Da. of Rejec. 

1. Div. Judpr. Apr. Amal, 3. Disob. 5, Da. of Do. 

2. Just, of the Judg. 4. See. of Sor. 



Drill Questions. — L T se questions 68 to So in the 
back of this book. 



LESSON V. 

The Reign of David 

I Sam. 16: 1-31:13; 2 Sam. 1: 1-11: 1; 
1 Chron. 10: 1-20:2 

I. SAUL AND DAVID. 

(1 Sam. 16: 1-18: 16.) 

1. David Anointed. — By direction of the Lord, 
Samuel goes to the home of Jesse the Bethlehemite. and, 
passing by the older brothers, anoints the youngest of 
the family, a lad, "ruddy and withal of beautiful coun- 
tenance, '* called from the shepherd-fields. 

2. David in the Presence of Saul. — After his 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 39 

anointing, David returns to his duties with the sheep, 
but a little later is called to do service as a minstrel, to 
quiet the troubled spirit of the king. 

3. David and Goliath. — The next step in the 
narrative is Goliath's haughty challenge of the forces 
of Israel and his subsequent defeat at the hands of the 
loyal-hearted, fearless lad from Jesse's shepherd-fields. 

4. David in Favor. — The victory over the giant, 
leading to the overthrow of the whole Philistine host, 
gives David honor in the eyes of the king. He is also 
thrown into association with Jonathan, and a covenant 
of love is made that has been the delight of the world. 

5. David in Disfavor. — Women of Israel, moved 
by patriotic impulse, sing: 

"Saul has slain his thousands. 
And David his ten thousands." 
The result is .the maddening of Saul with an insane 
jealousy that drives him to desperate attacks upon 
David's life. 

II. THE KINGS SON-IN-LAW. 

(1 Sam. 18: 17-20: 42.) 

1. A Snare for David. — Xoting the people's love 
for David, and with no reason to overthrow him, Saul 
resorts to vicious strategy. His daughter is promised as 
David's wife, and when David, wisely shrinking from 
such an alliance, seeks to withdraw on the ground of 
poverty, he is told that no dowry is desired, but only 
the life of a hundred Philistines, Saul thinking "to make 
David fall" by their hand. 

2. David's Peril Increases. — Yielding to the 
Ing's conditions, David and his men slay double the 



40 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

number of Philistines required, and Michal becomes his 
wife. 

3. A Reconciliation. — In his great love for 
David, Jonathan appeals to his father in his friend's 
behalf. The king finally relents. David comes to the 
palace, and is in Saul's presence "as beforetime." 

4. Saul Plays False. — David's further victories in 
war, and the credit given him by the people, again 
prove too much for Saul. Forgetting his covenant with 
Jonathan, he seeks to strike David down with his spear. 
The result is David's flight after a tender covenant is 
made between himself and Jonathan. 

III. THE ANOINTED OF GQD A FUGITIVE. 

(1 Sam. 21: 1-27: 12.) 

1. Bitterness of Fortune. — Deserving no harm 
from any one, David finds himself an outlaw. Exposure 
is his lot, and hunger. His dwelling is in caves. Saul 
pursues him, eagerly intent upon his life. It is a bitter 
pathway with stops narrated at Nob, Gath, the cave of 
Adullam, Mizpah of Moab, the forest of Hereth and 
other points. 

2. Greatness of Life. — There was excuse, as 
many would view it, for rebellion in David's heart. 
But none is found there. Not only true to the Lord, 
he is still loyal to Saul as the Lord's anointed. A test 
of this comes. At Engedi Raul is in his hands. His 
followers urge vengeance. David merely cuts a piece 
from the king's robe. Even for this his tender heart 
rebukes him. But by this piece of his garment Saul is 
shamed. The same experience comes later at Ziph. As 
at the first, Saul professes deep penitence, but DaviA 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 41 

is unwilling to trust himself in his hands and takes 
refuge among the Philistines. 

IV. THE DOOM OF SAUL. 

(1 Sam. 28:1-31:13; 1 Chron. 10:1-14.) 

1. The "Witch" of Endor.— Pitiful Saul comes 
before us for our last view. And first we find him, 
when Heaven gave no answer, seeking guidance from "a 
woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor." In such a 
place the powers of the light overcome powers of dark- 
ness, and Saul is terribly rebuked of God through the 
appearance and message of Samuel. Full length upon 
the earth, with no strength in him, lies Israel's first 
king! 

2. David in Battle with the Amalekites. — 
Distrusted by the Philistines, David and his men return 
to camp of the Philistines only to become involved with 
the Amalekites, who, in the absence of the army, have 
invaded Philistine territory. David's arms are completely 
victorious. 

3. The Battle of Mount Gilboa. — Here is 
Israel's sore defeat and Saul's last day! The king's 
sons are slain, and the king himself, mortally wounded, 
finally dies by his own hands! 

V. DAVID ON THE THRONE. 

(2 Sam. 1: 1-6: 23; 1 Chron. 11: 1-16: 43.) 

1. David in Mourning. — At first sight David's 
mourning seems inconsistent and his praise of Saul un- 
warranted. But it must be remembered that he was 
loyal to the last to Israel's king, and viewed him ever 
as "the Lord's anointed." It was in this light that he 



42 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

thought of him after his death, his spirit being far too 
reverent on the one hand, and far too generous on the 
other, to give place to personal considerations in such 
an hour. 

2. King of J nd ah. — By direction of the Lord, 
David goes to Hebron and is there anointed king "over 
the house of Judah." After long years we are coming 
to the unfolding of the scene when Samuel visited the 
household of Jesse! 

3. Royal Entanglements. — Though David's spirit 
was thoroughly generous and noble, as indicated by his 
expression of gratitude to men of Jabesh-gilead for 
their rescue of the body of Saul from the hands of the 
Philistines, he wrs not to be spared trials, the outgrowth 
of jealousy and base ambition. ( 1 ) Abner, one of 
Saul's chief generals, sees to it that Saul's son Ish- 
bosheth is anointed king of "all Israel." (2) In a 
severe battle between Abner's forces and David's men 
under Joab, the former were completely routed. ( 3 ) War 
continued between the house of Saul and the house of 
David, the latter growing stronger constantly. 
(4) Abner finally deserts Ish-bosheth and comes to the 
standards of David. (5) Joab, in jealousy and moved 
by revenge, treacherously murders Abner. (6) David, 
deeply grieved, mourns Abner's death, and his conduct 
pleases all the people. (7) Hearing of Abner's death — 
perhaps not knowing his desertion — Ish-bosheth "became 
feeble," and his people troubled. (8) Thinking to win 
David's favor, two of Israel's captains murder Ish- 
bosheth and bring his head to David. (9) Horrified by 
their deed, David commands their death. 

4. King of Israel. — With both their king and the 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 43 

general of their armies dead, tribes of Israel turn to 
David for leadership. Thinking of him ( 1 ) as their 
bone and flesh, (2) as a former leader in triumphant 
wars — in time of Saul — and (3) as one foretold of God 
as shepherd of his people, it was natural for them to take 
the step they did. This anointing brings David to his 
full estate, and opens a reign of thirty-three years over 
all the tribes of Israel. 

5. Removal of the Ark. — An important step 
early in David's reign was the removal of the ark from 
Kiriath-jearim to Jerusalem. Uzzah's profane touch of 
the ark and his consequent death mark the journ T \ 

VI. DAVID IN POWER. 

(2 Sam. 7: 1-11: 1; 1 Chron. 17: 1-20: 1.) 

1. Plans for the Temple. — The reverent heart of 
the king now reveals itself in thoughts for the honor of 
God. Calling Nathan into his presence, he speaks of 
himself dwelling in "a house of cedar" while the ark of 
God is only "within curtains. " Nathan approves the 
project, but it develops later that he does not know the 
mind of the Lord. 

2. The "Will of the Lord. — In the tenderest way, 
it is made known to David that it is not for him to 
build the temple loving reverence has prompted. He is 
held in all honor by the Lord, but he has been a man of 
war and is by this unfitted for the sacred task in mind. 
But his house shall be perpetuated — his rule continue — 
and his son shall raise into form the sacred building 
of the father's thought. Such word from Heaven gives 
almost greater joy than w^ould have been borne to the 
king by the approval of his first plan. 



44 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

3. Martial Victories. — Moving into the field with 
his forces, David continued aggressive and victorious 
warfare against Philistines, Moabites and many other 
peoples, the Lord giving him victory wherever he went. 

4. A Reign of Righteousness. — Victorious in the 
realm of war, David was great also in lines of peace 
and order. He "executed justice and righteousness unto 
all his people," and finding Mephibosheth, Jonathan's 
son — last of the line of Saul — he taught the world a 
lesson in kindness by the way he treated this unfortunate 
man. Those who looked to the palace saw large life 
there! Our lesson closes in a glory-day of Israel's 
history ! 

VII. TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION. 

1. Give historic examples of others called from lowly 
spheres to exalted places of service, as David from shep- 
herd-field to throne. 

2. What was David's dependence in struggle with 
Goliath ? What the relationship of his skill to his faith ? 

3. What promptings to bitterness and rebellion of 
spirit did David master? 

4. What is true friendship? 

5. What was the cost, to Jonathan, of his friendship 
for David ? 

6. What would you do to-day if the Sauls of your 
life were in your hand? 

7 What was the bitterest defeat at the battle of 
Gilboa? 

8. What were the great things of David's reign? 

9. What statement of David do you like best? 



8AUL TO BETHLEHEM. 45 

VIII. LESSONS FROM THE LESSON. 

1. A lowly place does not and can not hide the 
worthy from the eye of God. 

2. Humble duties well done prepare for life's great- 
est tasks. 

3. A crown does not make a man kingly. 

4. An enemy can only ruin one life — his own — un- 
lets we consent, by weakness and retort in kind, to let 
him ruin two. 

5. Anointing for a task may be but the blazing of 
long, hard pathways before us, but if a throne of in- 
fluence is on ahead, it is all worth while. 

BLACKBOARD OUTLINE. 



THE REIGN OF DAVID. 
I. Sa. axd Dav. 

1. Dav. Anoin. 4. Dav. in Fav. 

2. Dav. in the Pres. of Sa. 5. Dav. in Disfav. 

3. Dat. and Goli. 

II. King's Son-in-Law. 

1. A Sna. for Dav. 3. A Reconcil. 

2. Dav.'s Per. Increas. 4. Sa. Pla. Fal. 

III. The Anoint, of God a Fug. 
1. Bitt. of Fort. 2. Great, of Li. 

IV. The Do. of Sa. 

1. The Wit. of Endor. 3. Dav. in Batt. wi. Amal. 

3. Batt. of Mt. Gilb. 

V. Dav. on Thron. 

1. Dav. in Mourn. 3 Roy. Entangle. 5. Rem. of Ark. 

2 Ki. of Jud. 4. Ki. of Isr. 

VI. Dav. in Pow. 

1. Pla. for the Tern. 3. Mart. Vict. 

2. Wi. of the Lord. 4. Reig. of Right. 



Drill Questions. — Use questions 86 to 119 in the 

kack of this book. 



46 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 




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SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 47 

LESSON VI. 

The Rei^ii of David (Continued) 

2 Sam. 11:2-24:25; 1 Kinds 1: 1-2: 1 1 ; 
1 Chroo. 20:2-a9:30 

I. DAVID IN WEAKNESS* 

(2 Sam. 11: 2-12: 23.) 

1. The Fall. — It is pitiful to turn from the story 
of personal and public conquest to the record of defeat! 
The king is no longer before us as a ruler. We see him 
now as slave^ — slave of passion. Fascinated by the 
beauty of Bath-sheba, David turns from restraints of 
righteousness and is involved in awful guilt. 

2. Steps in Sin. — (1) Meditation upon evil. The 
man who falls has been falling. (2) The yielding, un- 
der spell of special temptation, in this case the sight of 
Bath-sheba. (3) Fear, and the plans to cover up guilt* 
(4) Deception, in this case feigned interest in Uriah. 
The lie has always been drafted in vain effort to hide 
the truth. (5) Murder, in this case the deliberate plan 
to bring about Uriah's death. One staggers under the 
burden, noting Israel's fair king in such a pathway. 
We have traveled far from the shepherd-fields of Jesse! 

3. The Rebuke. — "The eyes of the Lord are in 
every place, keeping watch upon the evil and the good." 
David's sin brings prompt and fearful rebuke at the 
hands of Nathan, David himself being led to pronounce 
just judgment. 

4. The Judgment. — Self -condemned, David waits 



48 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

to hear the decree of Heaven against him. First there 
is a review of blessings granted of the Lord, and then 
the awful recital of the steps in the king's transgression. 
Further, there is foretold distress within his own house- 
hold and the burden of the death of the child born to 
Bath-sheba. 

5. Penitence. — David did not love sin, though he 
was ensnared by it. And now that he sees himself in 
the light that beats upon men from the throne, he not 
only cries, "I have sinned against Jehovah," but, pros- 
trate before the Lord and fasting, he begs for the child's 
life. When death comes, he rises, submissive to Heaven's 
will, with the declaration of faith, "I shall go to him." 
And still beyond this there wells forth from the tried, 
sin-burdened king's heart at this time the wonderful 
penitential Psalm — Psalm 51. 

"Have mercy upon me. O God, according to thy loving- 
kindness : 

According to the multitude of thy tender mercies blot 
out my transgressions. 

Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, 

And cleanse me from my sin." 

II. PALACE LIFE. 

(2 Sam. 12: 24-14: 33.) 

1. Birth, of Solomon. — In Heaven's restored favor, 
David and Bath-sheba are granted a second son, named 
Dy them Solomon, named by the Lord Jedidiah — beloved 
of Jehovah. 

2. Sin at Gonrt. — The court of David is vexed 
with a crime in the outrage upon Tamar by her half- 
brother Amnon, that must have brought horror to the 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 49 

king, both on its own account and in refreshing the 
memory of his own woful fall. 

3. Revenge. — Planning to revenge the wrong to 
Tamar. Absalom arranges a feast in the midst of which 
Amnon is killed. Absalom then flees from the presence 
of the king, but David's heart goes out to him in loving 
longing. 

4. Absalom Recalled. — Reading aright David's 
heart, Joab, by a ruse, secures Absalom's recall. Yet it 
was the king's hard decree — even harder for himself 
than Absalom — that the young man should not see his 
face. This condition was maintained for two years, when, 
under Absalom's appeal, through Joab, he was admitted 
to his father's presence. But the kiss the king gave in 
love was bestowed upon a traitor. 

III. ABSALOM'S CONSPIRACY. 

(2 Sam. 15: 1-18: 33.) 

1. Treason. — Absalom, in base ingratitude, plans, 
deliberately, to undermine his father in the affections 
of the people. Standing at the gate, he justifies every 
claimant in his cause and expresses sorrow that no one 
is deputed to see that justice is done. Beyond this he 
withholds himself from the obeisance of those who ap- 
proach him, and in baldest hypocrisy and flattery kisses 
them instead. So he "stole the hearts of the men of 
Israel." 

2. Revolt. — Such tactics as above described, pur- 
sued for a time ("forty" years is a disputed reading in 
the text, and should probably be "four"), made things 
ready for a move in the open. Under pretence of keeping 
a vow at Hebron, Absalom secures David's consent to 



50 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

go there, and at the same time sends spies throughout 
the land bidding them only await the signal of the 
trumpets' blast to rally with the cry. "Absalom is king 
in Hebron." 

3. Flight. — At once upon receipt of the word as to 
the rebellion of Absalom, David plans to leave the Holy 
City. Fear does not move him to do this, for he is a 
man of war and Jerusalem is prepared for attack, or 
even siege, but the king "appears to take all as coming 
from the hand of God, and he therefore humbles him- 
self, weeps, goes barefoot and covers his head." 

4. Humility. — David's whole bearing is impressive 
in the extreme. Yielding "to what he conceives to be 
the tempest of the Almighty, " he takes no measures for 
self-protection. (1) Certain friendly peoples are bid- 
den to turn from his standards to their homes. (2) 
Zadok the priest is ordered to return to Jerusalem that 
he may carry on the public worship, and (3) the ark is 
restored to Jerusalem. David seems to feel in all 
humility that, though the people have turned from their 
king, they may still be true to their God. (4) On 
Olivet he appears in reverence before God, without bit- 
terness toward men. worshiping. 

5. Days of Burden. — Perplexities and sorrows 
multiply for Israel's king. Plots and counterplots fill the 
record of the chapters before us, which can not be treated 
here in detail, but which all should study. Note spe- 
cially the cry of the chastened spirit of this man, cursed 
and stoned by a stranger, when he exclaims, "Behold, my 
son seeketh my life ; how much more may this Ben- 
jamite now do it" (2 Sam. 16: 5-14). 

6. Death of Absalom. — With little to commend 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 51 

him save his comely appearance, Absalom now passes 
from the narrative to point a moral in all succeeding 
days. Only David mourns, but his father-heart can not 
contain its grief. His lament, "0 my son Absalom! my 
son, my son Absalom! Would I had died for thee, 
Absalom, my son, my son," has moved the world to tears. 

IV. LAST DAYS OF DAVID. 

(2 Sam. 19: 1-24: 25; 1 Kings 1: 1-2: 11; 1 Chron. 20: 
2-29: 30.) 

1. Joab's Appeal. — David's continued mourning 
brought real burden of heart to his people. Joab finally 
rebuked him to his face, and urged him to show himself 
to the people for their cheer. 

2. A Heart of Mercy. — Everything indicates 
David's nobility of heart at this time. The disposition 
is to pardon all offences and provide for all needs. No 
one appeals to him in vain. He has no scores to even, 
no spirit of revenge to satisfy. His thought is upon the 
temple and the glory of God for which it shall stand. 

3. Charge to Solomon. — "I am going the way of 
all the earth : be thou strong therefor, and show thyself 
a man; and keep the charge of Jehovah thy God, to 
walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his command- 
ments, and his ordinances, and his testimonies, according 
to that which is written in the law of Moses, that thou 
mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whitherso- 
ever thou turnest thyself " (1 Kings 2: 1-3). 

4. A Psalm of Praise.— Chapter 23 of 2 Samuel 
contains the last song from the heart of the "sweet 
psalmist of Israel." It is a beautiful final tribute to 
"the Rock of Israel." 



52 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

5. The End. — "And David slept with his fathers, 
and was buried in the city of David. And the days that 
David reigned over Israel were forty years: seven years 
reigned lie in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned 
he in Jerusalem" (1 Kings 2: 10, 11). 

V. TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION. 

1. Why is sin attractive? 

2. Tell of the binding power of sin. 

3. Ts the devil ever transfigured? 

4. Tell of the steps in the wrecking of a life. 

5. Tell of the problem of pardon as presented by 
David's case. 

6. What was the character cause of Absalom's un- 
worthy life? What was back of all he did and tried to 
dor 

7. Noting the whole story of David's life — his 
bravery, forbearance, humility, reverence — can you see 
beyond his grievous sin and understand how he could be 
regarded as a man after God's own heart ? 

VI. LESSONS FROM THE LESSON. 

1. "Let him that thinketh he standeth. take heed 
lest lie fall." 

2. The first steps in sin never disclose the end of 
the pathway. 

3. But God has warned us that "the wages of sin is 
death." 

4. Every man goes into sin blindfolded as to final 
results. 

5. If the end were kept in view, how differently we 
would do: 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 53 

U I made the cross myself whose weight 
Was later laid on me : 
This thought is torture as I toil 
Up life's steep Calvary. 

"To think mine own hands drove the nails: 
I sung a merry song, 
And chose the heaviest wood I had 
To build it firm and strong. 

"If I had guessed — if I had dreamed — 
Its weight was made for me, 
1 should have made a lighter cross 
To bear up Calvary." 

6- "Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast 
out" (John 6: 37) . 

7. There is a place for penitence. "If we confess 
our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our 
sins, <and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" ( 1 
John 1:9). 

BLACKBOARD OUTLINE. 





THE REIGN OF DAVID (Cor 


it'd 


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I. Dav. in Weak. 






1. 

2. 


Fa. 3. Rebu. 
Ste. in Sin. 4. Judg. 

II. Pal. Li. 




5. Pent. 


1. 


Bi. of Sol. 2. Si. of Cour. 8. Rev. 
III. Absa's Consp. 




4. Absa. Rec. 


1. 
2. 


Treas, . 3. Fli. 
Rev. 4. Humil. 

IV. La. Da. op Day. 


5. 
6. 


Da. of Bur. 
Dea. of Absa. 


1. 
2. 


Joab's App. 3. Cha. to Sol. 
Hea. of Mer. 4. Psa. of Pra. 




5. The End. 


♦- 






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Drill Questions. — Use questions 120 to 143 in the 

back of this book. 



54 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 



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SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 55 

LESSON VII. 

The Reign of Solomon 

1 Kinds 2: 12-11:43; 2 Chron. 1: 1-9:31 
I. ESTABLISHING THE KINGDOM. 

(1 Kings 2: 12-46.) 

1. Fortunate Introduction. — "Solomon's ascen- 
sion to the royal dignity was made under the happiest 
auspices. Having been born after his father became 
monarch of the irltole kingdom^ his claim, according to 
the notion of Oriental people, was preferable to that of 
all, even his elder brothers. The Hebrew kingdom en- 
joyed internal prosperity; it was respected and renowned 
abroad, and Solomon well knew how to improve these 
advantages." This general statement of favorable condi- 
tions needs only the exceptions of the first and second 
chapters of 1 Kings, treated below. 

2. Intrigue at Court. — Before David's death, 
Adonijah, David's oldest living son, attempted to usurp 
the throne of Israel, and in an hour of feasting succeeded 
in gaining the cry of acceptance, "Long live King 
Adonijah!" His claim being set aside by David, he 
greatly feared that Solomon would destroy him, but the 
latter declared in splendid spirit that, if Adonijah would 
only "show himself a worthy man," no harm would 
befall him. The warning was added, however, that death 
would follow his being detected in further wickedness 
(1 Kings 1: 1-52). 

3. Fall of Adonijah. — Our advance step in the 
study brings Adonijah again into view. Thinking to 



56 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

gain a hold upon the people's interests by alliance with 
Abishag, he works through Bath-sheba to bring his re- 
quest to the king. Though treating Bath-sheba with 
gentlest courtesy as she approaches him, Solomon pen- 
etrates at once the artifice of Aclonijah and decrees his 
death. 

4. Banishment of Abiathar. — Determined to rid 
himself of conspirators, Solomon passes from Adonijah 
to Abiathar and drives the latter from his court, sparing 
him death because of his priestly office and because he 
had shared the fortunes and reverses of David. 

5. Prophecy's Fulfillment. — The narrative notes 
the striking fulfillment, in Abiathar's banishment, of 
prophecies against the house of Eli (1 Sam. 2: 13-35), 
Abiathar being the last of the descendants of Eli per- 
mitted to hold the priestly office. 

6. Death, of Joab. — Hearing of the fate of Ado- 
nijah anal Abiathar, Joab felt himself doomed and fled to 
the tabernacle and "caught hold on the horns of the 
altar." But this refuge was not for him (Ex. 21: 14), 
as Solomon knew of his great crimes (1 Kings 2: 31-33) 
and did not hesitate to command his death even in the 
sacred place to which he had turned, in vain hope of 
safety. 

7 Deatn of Shimei. — The last of the seditious 
men to be set aside by Solomon was one who had griev- 
ously insulted David (2 Sam. 16: 5-13), but later ob- 
tained pardon. David did not trust him, however, and 
warned Solomon t<> beware of him (1 Kings 2:8, 9). 
Knowing Ins man, Solomon spared his life, but limited 
him to the walls ol Jerusalem, Violating this parole, 
he was put to death. 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 57 

8. — Security. — "And the kingdom was established 
in the hand of Solomon. . . . He had neither foes 
within nor without. He was either dreaded or loved 
universally. His own subjects were affectionately bound 
to him, and the surrounding nations did not think 
proper to make him their enemy." 

II. THE KINGS CHARACTER. 

(1 Kings 3; 1-15; 2 Chron. 1: 1-13.) 

1. Marriage. — Views differ as to Solomon's mar- 
riage to the daughter of Pharaoh. Some think the 
woman was a Jewish proselyte, and Solomon thus war- 
ranted in marrying her. There is little, if any, evidence 
to support this claim, which we would be pleased to 
grant if we could. The fact is that this alliance with 
Egypt suggests worldly wisdom, not faith. Some who 
comment upon troubles involving Solomon at the end of 
his reign, insist that this step was the beginning of a 
long line of troubles. 

2. IiOTer of God. — Whatever may have been in- 
volved in Solomon's marriage, it did not signify a break 
with God. The fact of the immediate sequence of verse 
3 to verses 1 and 2, however, must not be allowed to con- 
fuse us. The placing here of the tribute to Solomon's 
loving loyalty in no way suggests approval of his action 
as recorded in earlier verses. Verses 1 and 2 describe a 
specific act. Verse 3 stands for a general line of con- 
duct, and this general line of conduct so marked him 
that "Jehovah his God was with him and magnified him 
exceedingly." 

3. At Gibeon. — In honor of the Lord, Solomon ap- 
points a gathering of the people at Gibeon, where the 



58 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

"tabernacle of the congregation" was at the time and a 
service of sacred sacrifice is held. 

4. Word from Jehovah. — With spirit attuned to 
God by the service at the altar sacrifice, the young king 
"falls asleep only to have borne to him in a dream the 
wondrous word from Jehovah, "Ask what I sivall give 
thee!" And when he turns from requests for long life 
or riches or the life of his foes, and asks for "an under- 
standing heart," Jehovah is greatly pleased, and prom- 
ises not only that which he craves, but the unasked 
riches and honor and power. ( See chart. ) 

5. Reverent Praise. — While knowing that what 
had passed in the night is "only a dream," Solomon 
knows full well that "it is also more than a dream," 
and he turns at once to Jehovah in further sacrifices 
and to his people in a feast of rejoicing. Promises are 
blight, but they are conditional. Righteousness will 
yield the king all his dream has promised, but sin will 
find him poor indeed. As we turn from the first vision 
we can but believe his intentions are right, but the next 
time God appears it will be to warn him, and the third 
time to condemn. 

III. A THRONE OF WISDOM AND SPLENDOR. 

(1 Kings 3: 16-4: 3-1; 2 Chron. 1: 14-17.) 

1, Wise Judgment. — Out of many incidents of 
judicial judgment that doubtless marked Solomon's 
reign, one is here given in illustration of his discerning 
knowledge of human nature. The decree to kill the 
child which was claimed by two women, quickly revealed 
the mother through a plea for her offspring's safety. 

2. The Royal Court. — Chapter 4 opens with a 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 59 

description of the personnel of the court of Solomon. 
His chief councilors are named and their important 
duties indicated. There is a great change indeed from 
early days. Israel has become 'Hike other nations" — 
even outdoing them in temporal splendor. 

3. Peace and Plenty. — It is a pleasure to note 
the record of joy in Israel's life. ( 1 ) Solomon's rule is 
unquestioned in wide domain. (2) Nations about him 
pay tribute. (3) He and his court fare bountifully. 
(4) All the people dwell securely, "every man under 
his vine and under his fig-tree." (5) For pleasure, and 
to supply his needs, a vast number of horses and chari- 
ots fill his stables. Oh that such days might continue! 

4. The Chief Blessing. — Beyond everything else, 
God gave Solomon the "wisdom and understanding" he 
asked, and we see this splendid ruler of Israel excelling 
all others in qualities of mind and heart. His speech is 
in proverbs and songs, and "all peoples" sit at his feet. 
As we study the scene before us, hearts are gladdened. 
The king seems mindful of the charge of David to be 
strong and to show himself a man If he continues 
walking in the ways of Jehovah and keeping his stat- 
utes, there is no end to Israel's blessings — no limit to 
Israel's power. 

IV. TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION. 

1. What were the rights of the firstborn? The 
merits of Adonijah's cause? 

2. Was Solomon justified in methods adopted to 
"establish" his kingdom? 

3. What were the elements of strength in Solomon's 
character ? 



60 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

4. What were the elements of weakness in Sol- 
omon's character ? 

5. What was the place of the king's mother in Ori- 
ental thought? 

6. What perils are suggested by Solomon's throne of 
splendor ? 

7. If God were to say to you, "Ask what I shall 
give thee," what would you request at his hands? 

V. LESSONS FROM THE LESSON. 

1. Evil plotting has a short course to run. 

2. What a man really tvants reveals his type of 
life. 

3. The thing T would grasp^ if I could have what I 
want, lets me know my own scale of values! "Prove 
yourselves." 

4. What I would do if I could do as I please — all 
restraints removed — lets me see myself as God sees me! 

5. The life of longings is the life judged of God. 

BLACKBOARD OUTLINE. 



THE REIGN OF SOLOMON. 

I. ESTAB. THE KlNG. 

1. Fort. Intro. 4. Ban. of Abiath. 7. Dea. of Shim- 

2. Intritf. at Cour. 5. Proph.'s Fulfill. 8. Secur. 
3 Fa. of Adon. 6. Dea . of Joab. 

II. The King's Char. 

1. Marr. 3. At. Gib. 5. Rev. Pra. 

2. Lov. of God. 4. Wo. from Jehov. 

III. Thro, of Wisd. and Splen. 
1. Wi.Judg. 2. Roy Court. 3. Pea. and Plen. 4. Chie. Bless. 

Drill Questions. — See questions 144 to 164 in the 
back of tliis book. 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 61 

LESSON VIII. 

The Rei£n of Solomon (Continued) 

1 Kinrfs ft: 1-1 1 e 43; 2 Chron. 2: 1-9:31 
I. PREPARATION FOR THE TEMPLE. 

(1 Kings 5: 1-18; 2 Chron. 2: 1-1-8.) 

1. Hiram's Congratulations. — The deputation 
that came from Hiram, king of Tyre, doubtless greeted 
Solomon early in his reign, the record of the visit being 
inserted here owing to its bearing upon the temple 
project. 

2. Solomon's Purpose. — In return word to Hiram, 
Solomon declares his purpose "to build an house unto 
the name of the Lord" in harmony with the will of 
Heaven, as voiced to David his father. 

3. Aid Sought. — Solomon, taking legitimate ad- 
vantage of Hiram's goodwill, asks him to help in the 
great project by providing timber from the noted cedars 
of Lebanon. To this request Hiram assents gladly, re- 
joicing that David has been granted so wise a son. 

4. Plan of Work. — At Hiram's suggestion, the 
trying task is completely systematized. He is to have 
his men cut down the timber, convey it (probably by 
river) to the sea, bind it into great rafts, and float it 
to a point Solomon indicates ( probably Joppa ) . Here 
men of Israel are to take charge of it for the taxing 
overland haul of some thirty-five miles to Jerusalem. 
In exchange for timber and labor, Solomon gives ade 
quate measures of wheat and oil and wine. 



62 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 




SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 63 

5. Magnitude of the Task. — While Solomon's 
temple was small compared with some of the great 
cathedrals of the world, "we must not forget its costly 
splendor, the remote age in which the work was achieved 
and the truly stupendous constructions which the design 
required. ... To utilize the doubly consecrated 
site (of Mount Moriah) involved almost superhuman 
difficulties, which would have been avoided if the loftier, 
but less suitable, height of the Mount of Olives could 
have been chosen. The rugged summit had lo T>e pti- 
larged to a space of five hundred yards square, and this 
level was supported by Cyclopean walls, which have long 
been the wonder of the world." 

Four classes of workmen, in vast numbers, were as- 
signed to the work of construction. ( See Farrar. ) ( 1 ) 
Xative, freeborn Israelites, thirty thousand in number, 
supplementing Hiram's force, working in the timber in 
monthly relays of ten thousand. (2) Hiram's subjects 
who worked for pay. (3) Slaves. (4) Vassal Canaan- 
ites from whom were drawn seventy thousand burden- 
bearers and eighty thousand quarrymen. The erection 
of the temple occupied seven years and a half, and its 
cost, of building and golden fixtures, has been variously 
estimated from six hundred millions upward. 

II. THE TEMPLE STRUCTURE. 

(1 Kings 6: 1-7: 51; 2 Chron. 3: 1-5: 1.) 

1. Tlic Building's Plan. — Disappointing as it 
may be to many students, we find ourselves unable to 
reconstruct the temple of Solomon. Where scholarly 
critics ' diiTer so widely in details, there is nothing for 
others to do but to content themselves with an intelligent 



64 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

general view. The temple proper was "quite small — 
only 90 feet long, 35 feet broad and 45 feet high. It 
was meant' for the symbolic habitation of God, not for 
the worship of great congregations. . . . The 
wealth lavished upon it was such that its dishes, bowls, 
cups, even its snuffers and snuffer-trays, and its meanest 
utensils, were of pure gold. The massiveness of its sub- 
structions, the splendor of its materials, the artistic 
skill displayed by the Tyrian workmen in all its details 
and adornments, added to the awful sense of its in- 
dwelling Deity, gave it an imperishable fame." 

We give on the next page a plan of Herod's temple, 
taken from Herbert Moninger's training-book, "Training 
for Service." Study this plan carefully. 

2. Temple History. — The temple of Solomon was 
built about 1000 B. C. It stood nearly four centuries, 
being destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar at the opening of 
the Babylonian captivity. The second temple — or the 
first restored — links with the name of Zerubbabel, whose 
ministry of faith is glorious in Israel's history. The 
second structure was completed in 515 B. C. and was 
rebuilt and greatly changed and enlarged by Herod — 
seeking favor of the Jews — in A. D. 20. Herod's w r ork 
was overthrown when Titus destroyed Jerusalem A. D. 
70, the temple having been completed not more than five 
years. 

3. Herod's Temple. — To gain as clear an idea as 
possible of at least the general lines of the temple struc- 
ture, students are referred to the description of Herod's 
temple in Moninger's "Training for Service" and to en- 
cyclopedic and commentary articles. The definite in- 
formation that is obtainable with regard to this last 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 



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W> SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

temple gives an excellent general idea of Solomon's 
work, which no doubt served as a pattern. 

III. THE TEMPLE DEDICATION. 

(1 Kings 8: 1-66; 2 Chron. 5:2-7:22.) 

1. Time of the Dedication. — The dedication of 
the temple was deferred until eleven months after its 
completion. This brought it to a year of jubilee, which 
would call all the hosts of Israel to Jerusalem. The 
exact date fixed was just before the feast of tabernacles, 
and this was singularly appropriate. In the dedication 
of the temple the old "tent of meeting" yielded its place 
in the life of the people of God. 

2. A Wondrous Procession. — It was a great day 
in Israel when the ark was brought to its new resting- 
place in the temple. "The lead (in the procession) was 
taken by the king and elders of the people, whose march 
must have been slow, as priests were stationed to offer 
an immense number of sacrifices at various points in 
the line of road; then came the priests bearing the ark 
and the tabernacle — the old Mosaic tabernacle which 
was brought from Gibeon. Lastly the Levites followed, 
carrying the vessels and ornaments belonging to the old, 
for lodgment in the new, house of the Lord." 

3. The Presence of the Lord. — 'Solomon the king, 
and all the people, must have been in a state of greatest 
agitation as the ark was placed within the Holy of 
Holies of the new temple. Will the Lord own their 
work and accept their offerings? Hardly had the priests 
left the sacred Presence-place before the question was 
answered. The record moves us deeply, now. What 
must have bren the feelings of the people who witnessed 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. G7 

the scene itself, when "the priests could not stand to 
minister by reason of the cloud; for the glory of Jehovah 
filled the house of Jehovah." 

4. Prayer of Dedication. — Thrilled to his inmost 
soul, Israel's king voices fervent and loving petitions to 
God. Detailed treatment is impossible here, but every 
class should tarry long in study of this wonderful 
prayer. See this man of power among men, "in the 
presence of all the assembly of Israel," with his hands 
"spread forth" toward heaven. Hear him as he praises 
our God for his "lovingkindness," and begs that his eyes 
"may be open toward this house night and day." Stand 
by him as he rises from his knees before the altar, 
blessing all Israel and crying out with a loud voice, 
"Blessed be Jehovah, that hath given rest unto his 
people Israel according to all that he promised." Xo 
thoughtful soul can turn from this picture unmoved. 

IV. LAST DAYS OF SOLOMON. 

(1 Kings 9:1-11:43; 2 Chron. 8:1-9:31.) 

1. Conditions of Favor. — From glory scenes 
above noted, we face the closing narrative, shrinking, 
knowing what is on before. But at first it is all beauti- 
ful. In great love Jehovah appears to Solomon the 
second time, pleading for loyalty, warning against sin. 

2. Bnrden of Taxation. — Adjustments with 
Hiram as to certain cities not being satisfactory, Sol- 
omon is obliged to levy a heavy tax upon Israel. It was 
evidently burdensome, the people later complaining of 
the "yoke" placed upon them (1 Kings 12: 4). It was 
"too much." evidentlv, after the drain of the twentv 



t>8 BAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

years which had been occupied in building the temple 
and his own palaces. 

3. Forms of Loyalty. — It saddens him who writes 
t liese lines to begin to qualify the king's loyalty, but 
everything indicates a change of his spirit. Three times 
a year in attendance upon special feasts and sacrifices 
constitutes no offset to alienated affections. Splendors 
are telling on spirituality Pharaoh's daughter is in 
evidence,, a great navy attracts attention, and gold coin 
has new value i» the estimation of the court. And the 
end is not yet! 

4. Alien Praise. — The Queen of Sheba and her 
kind did Solomon no good. He needed no more to tell 
him of his wisdom nor to give him gifts. There is some- 
thing pitiful in one so blessed of Jehovah planning com- 
placently to overcome the woman from the South by the 
display of his splendor. He "gave her of his royal 
bounty," hiding only from her apparently his richest 
treasure — the knowledge of the one true God, Jehovah. 
Her praise was sweet to him. Has he forgotten days 
when the glory of the* Lord filled the temple? 

5. Vain Display. — Chapter 10 closes with a pic- 
ture of glory close linked with shame. The king does 
not know what more to do to reveal the wonders of his 
reign. A throne of ivory overlaid with finest gold, six 
golden steps to the throne, drinking-vessels of gold, 
chariots, horsemen, silver esteemed as stones of the 
streets — these are the signs of blindness to God. 

6. Downward Steps. — Tt is not far from high- 
lands to lowlands, the way is so steep. Passion is now 
given reigh in Solomon's life. Many foreign women — 
alien to Jehovah — are precious to him. At length even 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 69 

idolatry claims him 5 and of him whom God had blessed 
as few, if any, men of earth in temporal things, it is 
said, "He did that which was evil in the sight of 
Jehovah." The heart grows sick as the darkness deep- 
ens ! 

7. The Third Vision. — Twice before Solomon has 
had word from on high ! Now he hears from the King of 
kings again. This time it is the word of rejection ! How 
hollow now seems praise from the Queen of Sheba: He 
has bartered away the blessings of God, and in the midst 
of treasure is a pauper! The kingdom 5 ? to be divided, 
but, for love of David, Jehovah will withhold sight of 
this sad day from David's son. But adversaries multiply, 
and in the "flower of his age" the proud king of Israel 
yields to his unnappy fate and reaps the wages of sin. 
which is death. 

8. The Wall of the Unfaithful.— What word is 
this — false word — from a heart once true to God: "Van- 
ity of vanities, saith the Preacher; vanity of vanities; 
all is vanity"? (Eccl. 1:2.) How marked the contrast 
with the word of faith and truth spoken from a prison 
cell: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the 
course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid 
up for me the crown of righteousness" (2 Tim. 4: 6-8). 

V. TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION. 

i. Plans for the erection of the temple. 

2. How and where was building material prepared 
tor use in the temple? 

3. What of noiseless construction? 

4. Plan of the temple. Significance of its parts. 

5. Temple history. 



70 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

6. Impressive features of the dedication. 

7. Solomon's dedicatory prayer. 

8. What are some of the dangers of wealth? 

9. What are some of the dangers of power? 

VI. LESSONS FROM THE LESSON. 

1. A temple of beauty is acceptable to God. 

2. He is glad to indicate his favor and the accept- 
ance of our work. 

:j. The cloud that filled the Holy of Holies reveal* 
the fact that God was present before his presence was 
known. So is he often — yes, always — noting the work 
of our hands. 

4. Even blessings may be permitted to obscure the 
face of their Giver. 

5. Hollow praise of men may seem of value, but it is 
no support in time of need. 

BLACKBOARD OUTLINE. 



THE REIGN OF SOLOMON (Cont'd). 

I. Prep, for the Temp. i 

1. Hir.'s Congr. 3. Aid So. 5. Mag. of'fa. ; 

2. Sol.'s Purp. 4. Pla. of Wo. 

II. Temp. Strug. 

1. Build.'s Pla. 8. Temp. Hist. 8. Her.'sTemp. 

in. Temp. Debic. 

1. Ti. of Dedic. 8. Pres. of the Lord. 

2. Wond. Process. 4. Pray, of Dedic. 

IV. La. Da. op Sol. 

1. Cond. of Fav. 4. Alien Prais. 7. Thi. Vis. 

2. Bur. of Tax. 5. Va. Disp. 8. Wai. ofUnfai, 

3. Fo. of Loy. rt. Dow. Ste. 

( _ : * 

Drill Questions. — See questions 165 to 193 in the 

back of this book. 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM 




72 HAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

LESSON IX. 

Davidic Prophecies 

1. The Ministry of Hebrew Prophecy. — 

"Prophecy under paganism never grew into a practical 
and directing power; and even the great Roman poet. 
captivated as he was by its ancient utterance and the 
beauty of its promise, yet could do no more with it than 
convert it into a court compliment, and connect its 
romantic associations with the prospect of the new-born 
heir of the Pollios. But as soon as prophecy found a 
receptacle in the chosen race, it grew strong, it became 
an architect and builder, it raised institutions, it enacted 
ordinances. In Abraham it founded a family, in Moses 
it framed a law, in David it erected a kingdom The 
Hebrew people from the first gave prophecy a fixed home, 
and the nation became the regular and guarded de- 
pository of the sacred gift. The Jewish community 
was the fort of prophecy, maintaining and keeping up 
the inspired expectation, protecting it from outside 
blasts, and surrounding it with institutions and schools; 
so that, preserved as a directing influence among them, 
it prepared a practical reception for the Messiah; ana 
founded that body ot thought in the nation which wel- 
comed hint who fulfilled the promise when he came, 
and in that welcome founded the Christian church 
Prophecy had thus the most striking practical result, 
and proved itself an instrument of real efficiency and 
power'* ( Mozley ) . 

2, The Period of David. — We can not turn from 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 73 

the outline of the history of the period of the United 
Kingdom, as given in preceding lessons, without noting 
the wondrous prophecies that marked that time of Is- 
rael's life. The passing days could not hold all God 
wished to reveal, and in wonderful way the future was 
made known. We are led to look beyond the kingdom 
of David — facing division and captivity — to the abiding 
kingdom of David's son. All the words of our earlier 
lessons now find emphasis in the even clearer picturing 
of the One to come. Through the king himself and 
others of his day. .Jehovah leads us far on toward Beth- 
lehem. 

Xote. — Prophecies and comments given below are 
very largely taken from President Clinton Lockhart's 
valuable work, "The Messianic Message." 

III. AN ABIDING KINGDOM. 

(2 Sam. 7: 11-16.) 

"David is here informed that Jehovah will make him 
a house; and clearly the house that is to be made for 
David is here placed in antithesis to the house that 
David thought to build for Jehovah. Usually such an 
antithesis would indicate that the houses were of like 
character; but since Jehovah was certainly not promis- 
ing to erect a material building for David, but David 
was planning to construct a material nouse for Jehovah, 
the houses must be different in kind. The later state 
ments, T will set up thy seed after thee,' 'and J will 
establish his kingdom.' and 'Thy house and thy kingdom 
shall be made sure forever before thee,' indicate that 
David's house, which Jehovah was to make sure, was his 
family as perpetual heirs of royalty. If this be correct. 



74 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

the word 'seed' must include more than one descendant 
of David; and this is confirmed by the prediction, 'He 
shall build a house for my name, and I will establish 
the throne of his kingdom forever.' " 

IV. THE COMING CONQUEROR. 

(Ps. 110.) 

"It can hardly be doubted that this Psalm is Mes- 
sianic. . . . The style points to an extraordinary 
fulfillment. . . . The bold style, warlike figures, the 
title of the Psalni, a comparison of its thought and ex- 
pression with acknowledged Davidic Psalms, and the 
New Testament reference, all suggest that David is the 
author of this Psalm, and hence that 'my lord 5 refers to 
the Messiah. No other person than Jesus satisfactorily 
fulfills this prophecy, and in no other do such profound 
expressions of the divine purpose center, just as wo 
should expect them to be concentrated on the Messiah." 

V. THE MESSIANIC KING. 

(Ps. 72: 1-17.) 

"The Messianic features in this Psalm are the follow- 
ing: (1) The Psalmist describes a just and righteous 
king, who cares alike for the poor and the rich, the op- 
pressed and needy, as well as for those in honor and 
comfort. (2) This king shall have universal dominion. 
(3) His reign of peace shall endure forever. (4) He 
will redeem his people, and their souls shall be precious 
in his sight. (5) His reign will be marked by a notable 
prosperity, in the blessings of which all nations of men 
shall share. It is evident that no earthly king of Israel 
fulfilled the prophecy which this poetical picture pre- 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. M 

sehts. The universal extent of dominion and the unlim- 
ited duration of his reign were wholly beyond the reach 
of any temporal monarch. At the very least, the poet is 
voicing the world's need of a ruler greater than any 
human king can be. His character should be more 
divine, his power more complete, and his period of rule 
more unrestricted, than is possible for any ruler of this 
world. Xo other than the Messiah could possibly realize 
this dream of royal excellence. It is a poetical concep- 
tion of what only the Messiah could become; and hence 
it is richly and assuredly Messianic." 

VI. THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY. 

(Ps. 24: 7-10.) 

"This Scripture is often interpreted as celebrating 
the entry of the ark into Jerusalem, considered as a 
type of the entrance of the risen Christ into heaven at 
the time of his ascension. There is no direct evidence 
regarding its intended application: and while the con- 
tent of the Psalm is well suited to the ascension, it is 
equally well adapted to the final triumph of the Messiah 
at the close of the Christian age. In any case, the 
Psalm vividly presents the triumph of the true God 
and his people over all the enemies of righteousness. 
Such a triumph is elsewhere abundantly presented as an 
object of Christian hope,'* 

VII. THE SUFFERING ONE. 

(Ps. 22.) 

"While Ave may not decide with assurance whether 
the writer intended to portray his own situation and 
grief, we arp certain that there is a wonderful fitness in 



76 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

the utterances of the Psalm to the experience and work 
of the Messiah. ( 1 ) The person here described is right- 
eous, and yet abandoned of God. . . . The aban- 
donment is temporary and designed to accomplish some 
most important purpose. (2) The enemies of the person 
here mentioned, like beasts, mock at his sufferings. (3) 
His hands and feet are pierced, his body racked and 
tortured, while his tongue is parched with thirst. (4) 
His garments are parted among his enemies. (5) It 
is out of the 'dustl of death' that he is rescued. (6) 
What God did for him is publicly declared to all the 
ends of the earth. (7) His great sufferings and final 
rescue by the help of Jehovah will result in the con- 
rsion of men in all nations." 

III. THE BRIGHTENED PATHWAY. 

The words of prophecy quoted above, and the telling 
comments upon them by President Lockhart, brighten 
the way for our journey wonderfully. We have new 
courage to press forward, though we know that trying 
days are before us. Kings may rise and kings may fall, 
even captivity may enter in, but we believe the day will 
dawn when one of Abraham's line — the Shiloh of Judah 
and the son of David — shaU be revealed for the gladness 
of all people. His own familiar friend (Ps. 41: 9) may 
betray him, anguish may be his portion in death, but his 
soul shall not be left in Hades nor his flesh see corrup- 
tion (Ps. 16: 10), and in his final triumph there shall 
be universal joy. 

Drill Questions. — Sec questions 194 to 200 in the 
back of this book. 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 



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78 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

BLACKBOARD OUTLINE. 



DAVXDIC PROPHECIES. 

I. Minis, of Heb. Pkophec. 

II. Peb. of Dav. 

III. An abid. King 

IV. Com. Conq. 

V. Mess. Ki. 

VI. Teium. Ent. 

VII. Suff. One/ 
VIII. Bright. Path. 



LESSON X. 

Review 



LESSON XL 

Early Days of the Divided Kingdom 

1 Kings 12: 1-22:49; 2 Chron. 10:1-20:37 
I. KINGS OF ISRAEL AND JUDAH. 

From the Schaff-Herzog "Encyclopaedia" the table 
found on the opposite page is reproduced. It is in- 
serted at this place and will be found convenient for ref- 
erence. 

II. CAUSES OF THE DIVISION. 

Noting that "from this point the widening current of 
Hebrew history parts into two streams." Prof. B. S. 
Dean, in his "Outline of Bible History" — freely quoted 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 



79 



KINGS OF ISRAEL BEFORE THE DIVISION. 

Saul 40 years. 

David 40 years. 

Solomon ..... 40 years. 

KINGDOM DIVIDED 975 B. C. 



JUDAH. 

TEAK.-. 

Rehoboam - .17 

Abijam 8 

Asa 41 



Jehoshaphat — 25 

Jehoram 8 

| Ahaziah 1 

Athaliah 6 

Joash 40 



Amaziah 29 

Uzziab or Azariah 52 



Jotham 16 

t Ahaz 16 

' Hezekiah 29 

I Manasseh 55 

Amon 2 

; Josiah 31 

Jehoahaz (3 months). 

! Jehoiakim 11 

i Jehoiachin (3 months'). 

Zedekiah 11 



Israel. 

YEARS. 

Jeroboam - - 22 



Nadab ........ 2 

Baasha ..........24 

Elah . 2 

Zimri (7 days) . 

Tibni and Omri 4 

Omri 8 

Ahab ....22 

Ahaziah 2 

Jehoram 12 



Jehu 28 

Jehoahaz -.17 

Jehoash 16 

Jeroboam II. 41 

(Anarchy.) 

Zaehariah (6 months). 
Shallum (1 month). 

Menahem .__..— — 10 

Pekahiah... 2 

Pekah.. 20 

(Anarchy.) 

Hoshea 9 

Samaria taken. End of the 
Kingdom of Israel 721 B. C. 



Jerusalem taken 605. 
Jerusalem destroyed 587. 
Babylonian Captivity. End of Kingdom of Judah. 



80 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

in lessons that follow — gives the following clear state- 
ment as to the "Origin of the Schism" in the ranks of 
Israel. 

1. Its Roots. — "The disruption of the kingdom was 
not the work of a day, but the growth of centuries. 
Throughout the long period from Joshua to David the 
two tribes of Joseph (Ephraim, Manasseh), and that of 
Benjamin, rather than the tribe of Judah, held* the pre- 
eminence. To Ephraim had belonged Joshua, Deborah 
and Samuel ; to Manasseh, Gideon and Abimelech ; to 

* Benjamin, Saifl and Jonathan. 

"The tribe of Ephraim, especially, had repeatedly 
shown a proud sense of superiority and independence; 
and events proved that her leaders were only biding 
their time to break away from the rule of Judah." 

2. Accession and Policy of Rehoboam. — " 'Sol- 
omon had a thousand wives and only one son, and he 
was a fool. 5 At Rehoboam's accession the people peti- 
tioned him to lighten the taxes which, under Solomon, 
had grown so oppressive. Rehoboam forsook the counsel 
of his older councilors and followed that of the young 
men, answering that his little finger should be thicker 
than his father's loins." 

3. Jeroboam and the Revolt. — Solomon had had 
an able officer named Jeroboam. It is significant that 
he was an Ephraimite. Owing to Solomon's idolatry, 
which violated the fundamental law of the theocracy, 
the prophet Abijah had foretold the rending of the 
kingdom and the elevation of Jeroboam over ten tribes. 
Jeroboam fell under Solomon's suspicion and fled to 
Egypt, but returned at Solomon's death. Upon Rehobo- 
am's harsh refusal to lighten the taxes, Jeroboam 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 31 

headed a revolt of ten tribes. The result was two rival 
kingdoms : 

( 1 ) A Southern Kingdom of the two tribes of Judah 
and Benjamin, known as Judah. 

(2) A Northern Kingdom of the ten tribes called 
Israel. 

III. "THE TWO KINGDOMS COMPARED." 

1. "Territory and Population. — In an important 
sense, the Northern Kingdom was more national than 
the Southern: it embraced ten out of twelve tribes, 
hence it retained the national name Israel. Its territory 
was not only far larger, but vastly richer, both in nat- 
ural resources and in historical associations. While 
Judah held Jerusalem and Hebron, Israel owned 
Shechem, with its wealth of memories: Shiloh, the 
early home of the tabernacle; Bethel, Raman and Gil- 
gal, where Samuel had founded schools of the prophets; 
and Dan, which had long been the seat of worship 
(Judg. 18:14-31). Moreover, the dependencies and 
allies of the Davidic empire, so far as they w r ere retained 
at all, belonged mostly to Israel. As time' went on, 
however, Israel lost by the migration of the Levites and 
other more spiritual elements to Judah ( 2 Chron. 
15: 9, 10). 

2. "Their Religion. — The kings of Israel, from 
first to last, were idolatrous, and the people <^rew to be 
more and more so. Yet it is interesting tG note that 
nearly all the great early prophets either belong to Israel 
or are sent ovt missions to Israel. Abijah Shemaiah, 
Mijah, Elisha, Micaiah, Jonah, Hosea, Amos, Zechariah, 
Jehu, are all, either by birth or mission, Northern 



82 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

prophets. Judah, though often idolatrous, was far more 
loyal to Jehovah. 

3. "Elements of Stability. — The greater stability 
of Judah is seen in the following facts : ( 1 ) Judah 
had a single capital throughout, Jerusalem, the city of 
David and Solomon, and of " the temple. Israel had 
several capitals in succession — Shechem, Tirzah and 
Samaria. (2) Israel continued only two hundred and 
fifty years, yet in that time nine dynasties with nineteen 
kings sat on the throne. Every new dynasty began in a 
bloody revolution, only to be itself blotted out in blood. 
Judah endured for nearly four hundred years, with only 
twenty sovereigns, all, save the usurper, Athaliah, be- 
longing to the line of David." See the chart on the 
kings of Israel and Judah elsewhere in this lesson. 

IV. THE KINGDOM OF ISRAEL. 

1. An Apostate Leader. — The new kingdom 
starts badly under the leadership of Jeroboam, who 
quickly lapsed into idolatry — calf -worship — and wins 
for himself the fearfully descriptive title, "who made 
Israel to sin." 

2. Two Capitals. — Breaking with Jerusalem and 
fearing to favor either section of his extensive domain, 
Jeroboam establishes governmental and religious center? 
at both Dan and Bethel — a recognition of both North 
and South. 

3. Worldly Wisdom. — Faith has no place in 
plans at court. Lines of human prudence and expedi- 
ency prevail. And the end is in sight from the begin- 
ning. New capitals, a new priesthood and new plans 
and ideals of religious life all emphasize that boasted 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 83 

"independence" which has wrecked numberless individ- 
uals and nations. 

4. Petty Kings. — Nadab, Baasha, Elah and Zimri 
— the latter "reigning 55 seven days — in contrast with 
Saul, David and Solomon. We are traveling rapidly in 
the ways of man. 

5. Days of Violence. — It is a pitiful record spread 
before us now. False worship marks Israel, and follow- 
ing in its train drunkenness and murder. The throne 
is usurped by means of foulest crimes, and the usurpers, 
in turn, quickly meet the fate they have measured out 
to others. 

6. From Bad to Worse. — Overthrowing Zimri 
and also Tibni, a stronger character comes to the throne 
in the person of Omri. But, while stronger in his grip 
upon affairs, Omri is another step downward in Israel's 
pathway of ruin. He "did that which was evil in the 
sight of the Lord, and dealt wickedly above all that 
were before him. 5 ' He is to be remembered for the es- 
tablishing of the capital at Samaria, which act bears 
largely upon later history. 

7. Aliab and Jezebel. — The suggestion of these 
names is woe. They live to speak of death. The record 
of their lives is shame to Israel. Licentious worship of 
false gods calls to heaven for reproof. 

8. A Voice for God. — To meet the need of his 
people, Heaven sends Elijah! 

"There is something weird and startling in the sud- 
denness of the appearance of this child of nature — this 
half-wild Gileadite — in the presence of royalty. Alone, 
unheralded, in coarse garb, and of uncourtly mien, 
with his long, shaggy hair flowing down his back, this 



84 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

hirsute child of the mountains springs noiselessly from 
the forests of Gilead and bursts unceremoniously, like 
an apparition, into the presence of the proud monarch 
of Israel, utters his woful message, and in a moment is 
invisible!" (Errett). He is indeed in many ways "the 
grandest and most romantic character Israel ever pro- 
duced" (Johnson). Space, here., does not permit even 
an outline of Elijah's ministry, but students must take 
time for the whole record. His life and work are a 
dramatic protest of righteousness against prevailing 
evil. 

V. THE KINGDOM OF JUDAH. 

1. David's Line.— In turning to Judah we are 
turning again to lines of expectancy. David's son is on 
before. Shiloh is to come from Judah. 

2. Four Reigns. — In this lesson we have before 
us but four kings of Judah — two leading Israel away 
from God, two calling for reform. 

3. Rehoboam. — With every opportunity before 
him. the son of Solomon avails himself of none. In 
folly rejecting the counsel of the men of wisdom and 
experience about him, he returns answer to his people 
in line with the senseless suggestions of youthful flat- 
terers. Jehovah is lost to view. The worst things of 
Solomon's reign are perpetuated. Prophets plead in 
vain. 

4. Abijam. — A second king, but no change for the 
good of Judah. "Abijam walked in all the sins of his 
father." 

5. Asa. — A better name. For forty-one years the 
little kingdom has a nil or who rules for God. Falso 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 85 

worship is largely blotted out, heathen altars destroyed. 
The glad record harks back to the inspiring name of the 
son of Jesse. "Asa did that which was right in the 
eyes of the Lord, as did David his father." 

6. War. — That the period of history may be rightly 
viewed, it must be borne in mind that Israel and Judali 
are in almost constant warfare (1 Kings 15: 16). The 
old cry. "We be brethren," has lost its empliasis and 
influence. 

7. Invasion. — Asa's reign was further disturbed 
by the attempted invasion of a great force from Ethiopia. 
The faith of Judah's leader did not fail, however. Cry- 
ing unto the Lord, "We rely on thee," he led his forces 
forth to telling victory (2 Chron. 14: 8-15). 

8. Support. — Speaking through Azariah, Jehovah 
assures Asa of his favor. It moves the heart to note 
Heaven's joy when a man appears who tries to do God's 
will (2 Chron. 15: 1-19). 

9. Jehoshaphat. — Twenty-five more years when 
Judah has a leader whose heart is "lifted up in the 
ways of the Lord." 

VI. TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION. 

1. Causes for the division of the kingdom. 

2. Comparative strength of Israel and Judah. 

3. Which kingdom inclined more to the ways of 
Jehovah ? Why ? 

4. What is the thing most essential in establishing 
a kingdom, a college, a home? 

5. Suggestions from names Abraham, Mo? o>; Paul, 
Gladstone, Lincoln, Frances E. Willard. Livingstone, 
Ahab. Asa, Judas, Benedict Arnold — yours? 



8« SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

VII. LESSONS FROM THE LESSON. 

1. Men will barter eternity to reign seven days. 

2. But how little the reign, the throne, the king — 
all — in the light of eternity. 

3. Money or mere human wisdom can not build 
anything that endures. 

4. The cost of every institution worth the while is 
life. We give little and do little till we give ourselves. 

5. How pitiful — beyond words — to have your name 
suggest, evil. How blessed to have it suggest the good. 

6. An Asa can right things if he will. 

7. Jehovah waits to cheer the man who tries. 

BLACKBOARD OUTLINE. 





. , «|. 

EARLY DAYS OF THE DIVIDED KINGDOM. 




I. Ki. of Isr. and Jud. (See chart.) 




TI. CAU. of the Div. 


1. 


Its Ro. 2. Acces. and Pol. of Rehob. 
3. Jerob. and the Rev. 




III. TWO KlNGD. COMPAR. 


1. 


Terr, and Popul. 2. The Relig. 3. Ele. of Stabil. 




IV. KlNGD. OF ISR. 


1. 

2. 
3. 


A post. Lead. 4. Pet. Ki. 7. Ah. and Jez. 
Two Capit. * 5. Da. of Viol. 8. Voi. of God. 
Wor. Wis. 6. Fro. Bad to Wor. 




V. KlNGD. OF JTTD. 


1. 
2. 
3. 


Dav.'sLin. 4. Abij. 7. Invas. 
Fo. Reig. 5. Asa. 8. Sup. 
Rehob. fi. War. 9. Jehosh. 



Drill Questions. — See questions 201 to 235 in Hie 
back of this book. 



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88 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

LESSON XIL 

The Captivity of Israel 

1 Kinds 22: 50-53; 2 Kings 1:1-17:41 

I. THE DUAL KINGDOM. 

In our last lesson we viewed divided Israel — noting 
the earlier years of the kingdom of the north — Israel — 
and the kingdom of the south — Judah. In the present 
lesson we look to the end of Israel and in the next fol- 
low Judah into captivity. To avoid contusion, as far 
as possible, the history will be traced on separate lines, 
but students must have in mind clearly that, from 975 
B. C. — date of Solomon's death — to 721 B. C. — date of 
Assyrian captivity — "the widening current of Hebrew 
history parts into two streams." 

II. LAST RULERS OF THE HOUSE OF AHAB. 

The last of the house of Ahab — Ahaziah and Jehoram 
— invite the doom pronounced against the man who 
caused Israel to sin. The very frenzy of evil seems to 
possess them. Of Ahaziah it is said. "He walked in 
the way of his father, and in the way of his mother, and 
in the way of Jeroboam." What influences to direct 
a life! Finally, after a vain appeal to Elijah, he dies 
miserably. And Jehoram is no better. Sin. and sin 
only, prevails in palace councils. But the day of reck- 
oning is at hand. * 

III. OVERTHROW OF THE HOUSE OF AHAB. 

The brazen disloyalty of Ahab and Jezebel is no longef 



HAUL TO BETHLEHEM* 90 

to mock God! Jehu is called, and. in tearful revolution, 
destroys utterly all who remain of Ahab's house. 

IV. THE AVENGER AT FAULT. 

Jehu, the one chosen of God to work out Heaven's 
just vengeance against the house of Ahab, disappoints us 
in the record of his own life. True to his commission 
ot extermination of others, he is untrue to the laws of 
life for himself. Returning to calf-worship, instituted 
by Jeroboam, he is rebuked of God. 

V. THE HOUSE OF JEHU. 

As a reward foi service rendered, Jehu is told that 
his sons, to the fourth generation, shall sit on the 
throne of Israel. It is a day of comparative prosperity. 
Elisha, Jonah and Hosea are found back of every worthy 
effort of the kings, and protesting against encroach- 
ments of disloyalty. The rulers of the period are 
Jehoahaz, Jehoash^ Jeroboam II and Zechariah. Part 
of the time these men try for good, but the heart 
sickens at sight of their evil. 

VI. THE END IN SIGHT. 

The Master, in the New Testament teachings, speaks 
uf the ''signs of the times," and in these lessons, 
viewing incidents from afar, we ourselves can see the 
sure signs of Israel's fall. No more certain is a plunge 
ovei a precipice to end in death below, than is a nation 
doomed that forsakes the ways of righteousness: How 
blind seem men of old as they go, step dv step, the 
absolutelv sure road to ruin! 



90 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

VII. CHARACTER STEPS DOWNWARD- 

FIRST. 

From Jehu's house — which afforded our last flicker- 
ing hope for Israel — we face the captivity. Pitiful kings 
lead the way ! Through Shallum we take the first step. 
In petty revolution this man overthrows sinful Zech- 
ariah, and reigns one month. The one word for his 
reign is conspiracy — doubtless a conspiracy to Israel's 
hurt. 

VIII. CHARACTER STEPS DOWNWARD- 

SECOND. 

Menahem, perhaps one of Zechariah's generals, slays 
Shallum, but the change of rulers fails to check the 
downward pace of Israel. This man "departed not all 
his days from the sins of Jeroboam." Only tribute to 
Assyria postpones captivity. The nation of the north 
has no defences of strength or character. 

IX. CHARACTER STEPS DOWNWARD- 

THIRD. 

The third step is through Pekahiah, w T hose brief 
reign of two years finds sin still the power behind the 
throne. What blindness is here! The heart trembles 
in the presence of such evidences of the deadly fascina- 
tion of evil! 

X. CHARACTER STEPS DOWNWARD- 
FOURTH. 

Once more the name changes and Pekah leads on 
dow 7 n! For twenty years men called him king, while 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 91 

angels marveled at his folly. All his days he ''departed 
not from the sins of Jeroboam." 

XI. CHARACTER STEPS DOWNWARD- 
FIFTH AND LAST. 

Emboldened by Israel's weakness, Assyria invaded 
her territory during Pekalr's reign, making several con- 
quests. Finally the helpless monarch was overthrown 
by Hoshea, a man equally sinful and equally unable to 
withstand Assyria. In his ninth year upon Israel's 
throne, Assyria makes a final strong move against 
him, and the ten tribes are lost to view in bondage! 

XII. THE VIEWPOINT OF HEAVEN. 

Verses 7 to 18 of 2 Kings 17 contain a wondrous 
record! The very processes of divine thought are 
revealed ! 

1. The children of Israel — the old, tender name — 
sinned against God. 

2. Their sin was against Him who led them forth 
from Egypt and had granted unnumbered blessings. 

3. They went so far as to walk in the statutes of 
the heathen. 

4. They persisted in false worship. 

5. They sinned in spite of loving appeals and warn- 
ings of the prophets of God. 

G. They "would not hear/' but "hardened their 
necks." 

7. They rejected Heaven's statutes and gave them- 
selves over, to vanities of the heathen. 

"Therefore Jehovah was very angry with Israel, and 
removed them out of his sight: there was none left out 
the tribe of Judah only." 



92 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

XIII. THE STRIKING TRAGEDY. 

The captivity of the ten tribes of Israel is one of the 
marvels of human history. "Untrue to Jehovah and 
their national mission, they lose their national identity 
forever." With the remnant left in Samaria the As- 
syrians mingle, and this explains the fact that in the 
Saviour's day the pure-blooded Jews of the South 
disdained the mixed races of the North, and "Jews and 
Samaritans had no dealings with each other." It is 
seven hundred years before Messiah will come! Ten 
tribes are lost! We look eagerly to Judah and her 
promises! (Gen. 49: 10.) 

XIV. LESSONS FROM THE LESSON. 

1. "The wages of sin is death." 

2. The promises and decrees of God are yea and 
amen: 

3. There are "signs of the times" that clear eyes 
of faith can see distinctly every day— "signs" of life and 
"signs" of death in both individual and national life. 

4. Righteousness gives vision, but sin blinds. 

XV. TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION. 

1. Justification of the fate of Ahab's house. 

2. Motives for maintaining the majest\ of the 
divine law. 

3. How could God use a man like Jehu? 

4. What are the "signs of the times" now in national 
life? in church lite? in your life? 

5. What became of tne ten tribes? 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 



93 




94 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

BLACKBOARD OUTLINE. 



THE CAPTIVITY OF ISRAEL. 

I. The Du. Kingd. 

II. La. Rul. of the Ho. of Ahab. 

III. Ov. of Ho. of Ahab. 

IV. AVEN. AT FAU. 

V. Hou. of Jehu. 
VI. End in Si. 

VII. Char. Ste. Do.— Fie. 

VIII. Char. Ste. Do.— Sec. 

IX. Char. Ste. Do.— Thi. 

X. Char. Ste. Do.— Four. 
XI. Char. Ste. Do.— Fif. and La. 

XII. View*, of Heat. 
XIII. Strik. Trag. 



Drill Questions. — See questions 236 to 25*7 in the 
back of. this book. 



LESSON XIII. 

The Captivity of Judah 

1 Kings 22:50-53; 2 Kinfgs 1: 1-25:30; 
2 Chron. 21: 1-36:23 

I. THE KINGDOM OF PROMISE. 

Dramatic phases of the Old Testament narrative are 
now in evidence. The Northern Kingdom has yielded to 
captivity, and Judah alone represents the will of God 
in earth. What of the unfolding of its life — what of 
promises long cherished? In our journey from Eden 
onward are we to lose our way ? 



XAUL TO QETHLEBEM. 95 

II. CRIPPLING ALLIANCES. 

The worthy reigns of Asa and Jehoshaphat promised 
much for Judah, but the light nearly died out in the 
succeeding reigns of Jehoram and Ahaziah. By the 
mistaken policy of Jehoshaphat. Jehoram married 
Athaliah. daughter of Ahab and Jezebel. This led to 
sad and sinful entanglements. Jehoram himself yielded 
to Athaliah's influences and ''walked in the way of the 
kings of Israel." And later, his son, Ahaziah, revealed 
the mother's traits, and Israel's influence was Judah's 
shame. 

III. THE LINE OF DAVID IMPERILED. 

Jehu's revolution, sweeping from the earth the house 
of Ahab, brought David's line into peril. Ahaziah, king 
of Judah, but grandson of Ahab, was put to death, and 
the Scripture plainly tells us that his destruction was 
of God. Enraged at this, Athaliah, Ahaziah's mother, 
turns her great influence to the destruction of all those 
of "the seed royal" who might lay claim to the throne. 
Remembering that this meant the massacre of little ones 
who were her own grandchildren, her Jezebel spirit is 
clearly seen. And in her horrid resolve she is suc- 
cessful except that one child — the babe Joash — is spirited 
awav and hidden from her sight ! The covenant promises 
of God — leading us on toward Bethlehem — are sus- 
pended upon the slender thread of one baby's life! 

IV. JOASH ENTHRONED. 

In the seventh year of her usurpation of the throne 
the high priest Jehoiada leads a revolt against Athaliah, 
and she is deposed and put to death. In great joy, 



96 SAUL TO BETEfLEHEM. 

then, the people welcome to the throne the seven-year-old 
lad of the line of David. 

V. THE INFLUENCE OF JEHOIADA. 

The large place of one good man is illustrated by 
the career of Jehoiada. By his wisdom and courage in 
placing the young king on the throne, he continues to 
guard him in life so that his early reign is for the 
glory of God. He was "minded to restore the house of 
Jehovah/' and in other ways to do the will of Heaven. 
But at Jehoiada's death he yielded to "princes of Judah" 
and even turned to the worship of idols. The reign goes 
out in a period of gloom, of which the last act is the 
king's assassination. 

VI. THE DOWNWARD WAY. 

The four reigns that follow Joash — reigns of 
Amaziah, Uzziah, Jotham and Ahaz — leave to the records 
some deeds that gladden the heart, but; after all, the 
trend beneath the surface is downward. Uzziah's long 
reign of more than fifty years is specially noteworthy. 
From worldly viewpoints it was prosperous. But when 
we see the just judgments of God at last strike the 
king with leprosy, we feel that little has been gained. 
And when Ahaz ascends the throne and widespread 
idolatry comes quickly to mark Judah's life, we are 
made the more sure that the heart of the people has 
not been stayed on God, and beauty has been but 
seeming. 

VII. HEZEKIAH. 

The name of Judah's new king is pleasing! It stands 
in our thinking for a reversal of the policies of evil! 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 97 

Praise God for such men! From Ahaz' day we face 
away to better things! Sin has brought forth fruit 
of social, political and religious blight, but now for a 
revival of the things of God ! Joel, Amos, Micah, Nahum 
and Isaiah are here to help! Fickle Israel may stand 
again ! 

VIII. GOD'S MAN. 

Hezekiah, a young man of twenty-five, ascends the 
throne, and the whole purpose of his heart is summed 
up in the record of his deeds: "He did that which was 
right in the eyes of the Lord." 

1. He acts promptly for God "in the first year of 
his reign," opening the doors of the house of Jehovah. 

2. All Israel is summoned to Jerusalem for a service 
of praise in the restoration of the Passover feast. 

3. Pillars and altars of idolatry are destroyed. 

4. The king "wrought that which was good and 
right and faithful before the Lord his God." He feels 
that he is God's man on the throne. 

IX. ASSYRIAN INVASIONS. 

In the sixth year of Hezekiah's reign the Northern 
Kingdom is carried away into captivity. In the four- 
teenth year Assyria besieges the fortified cities of Judah, 
and captures them. Are the lights to go out? What 
of the promises? 

X. A CHALLENGE TO JEHOVAH. 

Paying tribute for peace, but finding no honor in 
Assyria, Hezekiah's burdens increase. Assyria's leaders 
taunt him with his helplessness, asking if any gods of 
the nations ever delivered them out of the hand of the 



98 »AUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

king of Assyria. It is a challenge to the God of Israel's 
battles. His name is at stake! 

XI. BEFORE THE LORD. 

The people hold their peace, making no response to 
Assyria's mocking. The king "rent his clothes, covered 
himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of 
Jehovah." Out of his reverent soul there come the words 
in an address to Isaiah, "It may be Jehovah thy God 
will hear . . . and rebuke the words of Rabshakeh." 
And the prophet returns answer of comfort, "Be not 
afraid." Soon, however, comes a defiant message from 
Assyria demanding surrender. This letter Hezekiah 
spread before Jehovah, praying, "Now therefore, 
•Jehovah our God, save thou us, I beseech thee, out of his 
hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that 
thou Jehovah art God alone.'" 

XII. DELIVERANCE. 

Isaiah, commissioned of God, answers the king's 
prayer! Jehovah has heard, and the resources of 
Heaven are at command of the righteous! Blasphemous 
before God, the forces of Assyria meet death in the night 
and the world takes note of the vanity of their boasting. 
"As to the secondary agent employed in the destruction 
of the Assyrian army, it is most probable that it was 
effected by *i hot south wind — the simoon — such as to 
this day often envelops and destroys whole caravans." 
But it Was Israel's God who fought their battles for 
them, using weapons to his own pleasure! 

XIII. THE OLD STORY OF SIN. 

At Hezekiah's death fickle Israel soon steps aside 
from ways of loyalty. Manasseh's name stands for fifty 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 99 

five years of forgetfulness of God, and the two years of 
Anion only give darker shading to the picture of Judah's 
disloyalty. 

XIV. HEAVEN'S FINAL EFFORT. 

Amon was succeeded by Josiah, a child of eight 
years, whose reign was "the last gleam of sunshine for 
the little kingdom." He "did that w T hich was right in 
the eyes of the Lord." overthrew idolatry, repaired the 
temple, honored the word of God, called feasts of the 
people, and happiness prevailed. But even this faithful 
man was ensnared. Interfering in warfare between 
Egypt and Assyria, he lost his life in the battle of 
Megiddo. and in his death the light went out in the 
camp of Judah. 

XV. THE END. 

The end has been~in view for years, but God and 
good men have struggled against it. It is not Heaven's 
fault that the darkness deepens. The closing reigns may 
be noted very briefly. ( 1 ) Jehoahaz stands for three 
months of evil and captivity in Egypt. (2) Jehoiakim 
lengthens evil's reign eleven years, during which time 
there is an invasion by Xebuchadnezzar and Daniel and 
his comrades are carried away to Babylon. (3) Jehoia- 
chin continues blindly in disloyalty, suffering a second 
invasion by Xebuchadnezzar and the captivity of promi- 
nent men of affairs and craftsmen. (4) Zedekiah has 
the melancholy honor of the last name in a line of 
descent from God ! Jerusalem is taken, the king — 
blind to God before — is blinded to things about him 
now; and that humiliation may be complete, the Holy 
City is desolated, the walls of the sacred temple are 



100 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM, 

broken down, and devastating fire sweeps, unchecked, 
through scenes of former honor and glory. 

XVI. THE OUTLOOK. 

Is there any outlook? Israel lost — Judah in bondage 
-—where is the light ? Can it be that the purposes of the 
Infinite are defeated": By no means! Daniel is a name 
whose glory bondage can not dim! All the powers of 
earth will not avail to extinguish the light of his 
faith! And, again, our God is not surprised! The 
present dreadful day has been foreseen and its limits 
fiwed ! We need but wait in all humility "seventy years," 
and the mighty arm of Jehovah will be revealed again! 
Awed in heart, we fall upon our faces in a sad, sad 
stage of the journey from Eden to Bethlehem! 

XVII. LESSONS FROM THE LESSON. 

1. It is always loss when the good compromises with 
evil. 

2. The blood of a Jezebel will tell and its curse will 
outweigh any promised blessing. 

3. God guards his own, and a life necessary to his 
purposes is safe. 

4. Only Jehoiadas are needed to-day to hold rulers 
in line with God. 

5. A man who is right will do right ''in the first 
year of his reign/' Delays speak of dallying with sin. 

XVIII. TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION.. 

1. The peril of worldly marriage relationships. 

2. The power of influence. 

3. The heroism of a complete break with evil prece- 
dents, as in Hezekiah's reign. 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 



101 











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102 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

4. The pathos of the bondage of the people of God! 

5. The marvel of promises that bid us hasten on! 

BLACKBOARD OUTLINE. 



THE CAPTIVITY OF JUDAH. 

I. Kingd. of Prom. 

II. Cripp. Allian. 
III. Li. op Dav. Imper. 

IV. JOASH ENTHRO. 

V. Influ. of Jehoi. 

VI. Do. Wa. 

VII. Hezek. 

IX. ASSYR. INVAS. 

X. v Chal. to Jehov. 

XI. Bef. the Lo. 
XII. Deliv. 

XIII. Ol. Sto. of Si. 

XIV. Heay's Fin. Eff. 

XV. The End. 

XVI. The Outlook. 



Brill Questions. — See questions 258 to 304 in the 
back of this book. . 



LESSON XIV. 

Prophets of the Divided Kingdom 

I. A HEAVENLY MINISTRY. 

In Israel's darkest days her prophets multiply. With 
increasing need, increasing help is given. But all in 
vain! The Saviour's description of the city which 
"would not." describes the nation in the years before us. 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 103 

But. after all, its seeming fruitlessness does not detract 
from the glory of the prophetic ministry. It was heaven- 
ly service. In hours of disloyalty and outrageous 
sinfulness "holy men of old*'* spoke, by the Spirit, the 
tender pleadings of the heart of God. Xot only during 
trying days of the earlier period of the divided kingdom, 
but *on through Judah's final struggles and away into 
the period of exile, this ministry extends. Thinking of 
the prophets as those who only foretold future events 
is to fail to grasp the deepest phase of their work. Their 
foretelling was really incidental to their twofold mission 
of reform and good cheer. It is of very great evidential 
value to us now, but was then employed largely as the 
vehicle of effective exhortation. To be appreciated, the 
prophets must be seen as fervent souls alive to right- 
eousness in days of sin, crying out for Jehovah: "Turn 
ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, 
house of Israel?" (Ezek. 33: 11), or as men of sorrow 
feeling for God's own in their desolation, and sustain- 
ing them by precious promises of better days. 

II. REBUILDING WASTE PLACES. 

Gleaning much from Lockhart's "Messianic Message," 
to which grateful reference is here made again, we 
note first the words of a man who spoke for God "in 
the days of Uzziah king of Judah" ( Amos 1:1). In a 
period of pitiful darkness and spiritual decline he tells 
of the return of Israel to strength and glory and the 
building again of "waste cities" (Amos 9: 11-15). 

III. THE YEARNING OF JEHOVAH. 

Through somewhat the same period as Amos, Hosea 
prophesies. We note but one section (Hos. 11: 1-12), 



104 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

and find in it the tenderest appeal to the apostate North- 
ern Kingdom. Referring to the pathetic fact that "the 
more the prophets called" His people, the more they 
turned away, there is yet the touching lament of un- 
changing affection: "How can I give thee up 5 Ephraim? 
how shall I cast thee off, Israel?" 

IV. THE COMING ONE. 

"In the year that king Uzziah died" (lsa. 6: 1-13), 
one of the greatest of all God's spokesmen received his 
call to special service — a call that threw his eventful 
ministry of perhaps forty years against "an irresistible 
current of idolatry and immorality." It is this prophet 
of God who tells of the virgin's son (lsa. 7: 14), and 
of the One whose "name shall be called Wonderful, 
Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of 
Peace" (lsa. 9: 1-7), and of the "shoot out of the stock 
of Jesse" upon whom "the Spirit of Jehovah shall rest" 
(lsa. 11: 1-5), and of the "Servant of Jehovah" who 
"hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows," and 
upon whom "the chastisement oi our peace was laid" 
(lsa. 53: 1-12). 

V. A BAY OF TRIUMPH. 

in Isaiah's time many place the prophet Zechariah, 
and from him we have further pointing toward the 
One whom we seek. The scene before the prophet's 
mind is the triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Zech. 
9: 9). 

VI. BETHLEHEM IN VIEW. 

"In the days of Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah" Mieah 
looke through Judah's gloom to Judajrs glory. "It was 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 105 

a time of lamentation." Judah's wounds were "in- 
curable." From such a day the man of God looks away 
to the city of David, and sees One coming forth "to be 
ruler in Israel" (Mic. 5: 2). Our pathway brightens! 

VII. SHEPHERDS FOR JUDAH. 

Turning from the type of Messianic prophecies noted 
above, let us look to the period of the "weeping prophet," 
Jeremiah, and hear him in the days of King Josiah 
crying out : "Return, backsliding children, saith 
Jehovah; . . . and I will give you shepherds accord- 
ing to my heart, who shall feed you with knowledge 
and understanding" (Jer. 3: 14.15). 

VIII. JUDAH'S LOW ESTATE. 

At about the time of Jeremiah, Zephaniah also toiled 
with Judah, revealing their low estate and voicing the 
certain judgments of Jehovah. "The great day of 
Jehovah is near, it is near and hasteth greatly. . . 
That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and dis- 
tress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of dark- 
ness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, 
a day of the trumpet and alarm*' (Zeph. 1: 14-17). 

IX. EXILE AND DELIVERANCE. 

As a last word, prophets told God's people plainly 
that captivity was on before, but with this dread message 
was linked the promise of restoration. 

.1. Ezek. 11: 14-21. Here is a sketch of bondage 
"far off among the nations," but it is only for "a little 
while." 

2. Jer. 32: 40. A picture of His people's sin, they 
having done "only that which was evil." and of the com- 



106 8AUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

ing capture of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar. But this 
picture is relieved by the declaration: "I will gather 
them out of all the countries . . . and they shall 
be my people, and I will be their God." 

3. Jer. 25: 8-14. A definite foretelling of captivity 
because of disloyalty to God, and just as definite fore- 
telling of the end of that captivity at the end of seventy 
years ! 

X. OTHER VOICES. 

The prophets quoted have only been quoted in words 
chosen almost at random. And yet how rich the yield 
of insight into the heart of God! Read all these men 
of God in all they have said, and, beyond those named, 
hearken to other voices. Hear Jonah in his call to 
repentance in Nineveh that brought a king from his 
throne to sit in sackcloth and ashes. Hear Joel as he 
pleads for Jehovah: "Turn ye unto me with all your 
heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with 
mourning" (Joel 2: 12). Hear Nahum as he cries: 
"Jehovah hath his way in the whirlwind and in the 
storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet" (Nah. 
1:3). Hear Habakkuk in glorious promise: "The 
earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of 
Jehovah, as the waters cover the sea" (Hab. 2: 14). 
Such is the pleading, the testimony, the vision, of holy 
men of old speaking for the most high God! 

XI. LESSONS FROM THE LESSON. 

1. Men foresee most who see most clearly God's 
will in passing days. 

2. It does not take inspiration for us to see that the 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 



107 





Amos. 




Hosea. 


SOME 

PROPHETS 

OF 


Isaiah. 
Zechariah. 
Micah. 
Jeremiah. 


THE 

DIVIDED 

KINGDOM 


Zephaniah. 
Ezekiel. 
Jonah. 
Joel. 




Nahum. 




Habakkuk. 



108 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

end of sin is death, and the end of righteousness life 
and joy and peace. 

3. Gk>d is never lenient with sin in individual or 
nation, but always lenient with the individual or nation 
sinning. 

4. Yet mercy never triumphs over justice! 

5. How the longsuffering love of God rebukes our 
petulance in dealing with those who cross our judg- 
ment, will or pleasure! 

XII. TOPICS FOR. DISCUSSION. 

1. Why so many prophets in the period of the 
divided kingdom? 

2. What was the prophet's chief work? 

3. What about "primary" and "secondary" signifi- 
cance of prophecies? 

4. Which prophet impresses you most, and why? 

5. What of the pointings toward Christ? 

BLACKBOARD OUTLINE. 



* — 






-♦ 




: PKOPH. 


OF THE DIV. KINGD. 




I. 


Heav. Minis. 


VI. • Beth, in Vi. 




II. 


Rebu. Was. Pla 


VII. Shep. for Jud. 




III. 


Yearn, of Jeh. 


VIII. Jud'sLo. Est. 




IV. 


Com. One. 


IX. Ex. AND Deliv. 




V. 

* — 


A Da. of Tri. 


X. Oth. Voic. 


-♦ 



Brill Questions. — Use questions 305 to 316 in the 
back of this book. 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 109 



LESSON XV. 

Trials and Triumphs in the Land of 

Bondage 

I. TAKING OUR BEARINGS. 

In our long journey from Eden to Bethlehem we have 
now traced the history through the periods of Probation 
—from the creation to the deluge; Preparation — from 
the deluge to the call of Moses ; Conquest— from the 
call of Moses to the coronation of Saul; Power- — from 
the coronation of Saul to the division of the kingdom; 
and Decline — from the division of the kingdom to the 
Babylonian captivity. There only remains the period 
of Servitude— stretching from the Babylonian captivity 
on forward to Christ! 

II. THE OUTLOOK. 

Humanly speaking, the outlook is dark indeed. "The 
Northern Kingdom has gone down in political darkness 
and spiritual night. Judah, after one hundred and 
forty years more of fitful life, is broken up, Jerusalem 
is in ruins, and king and people are seven hundred miles 
distant, in helpless captivity! Everywhere brutality, 
gross superstition and idolatry are triumphant. To 
all human appearance, the experiment of human redemp- 
tion is a failure; the knowledge of God forever lost" 
(Dean) . But the end is not yet! We are not tracing the 
unfolding of an "experiment"! The age-long purposes 
of the Infinite are not to be set aside! We shall press 
through darkness into light! 



110 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM, 

III. A FINAL TESTING-TIME. 

At first thought it seems that there can be no gain 
from captivity. Proud Jews — the seed of Abraham — far. 
far from the Holy Land, and slaves, will be broken in 
spirit, and promises of God will die with them. And 
younger generations will be awed by the power of 
Xebuchadnezzar — mightiest monarch of his age — and im- 
pressed, to their spiritual hurt, by the beauties and 
splendors of Babylon. Idolatry will not seem so bad 
in such a setting! It is in truth a testing-time! 

IV. CHARACTER DEFEAT. 

Some of the Jews did indeed go down, under influences 
named above. Yielding to new conditions and adopting 
strange customs, they were heedless of the voice of 
prophets, and, when the day of deliverance came, had no 
heart for a return to Jerusalem and the hardships such 
a journey involved. 

V. CHARACTER VICTORY. 

To others, however, the days of bondage were days 
of great blessing. As slaves they caught new views of 
freedom; in humiliation they could see more clearly their 
former exaltation as favored ones of God ; the beauties of 
Babylon were only a spur to the restoring of Jerusalem : 
the power of the king of Babylon only a reminder of the 
infinitely greater power of the King of kings whom 
they had scorned, and the hateful ever-present idolatry, 
now seen in all its vanity and baseness, was really to 
them an insistent appeal for the soul-satisfying spiritual 
worship of Jehovah. So did many — this remnant of 
faith — cling closer and closer to the Lord, the light of 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. Ill 

his presence brightening within them as the darkness 
of captivity deepened without. 

VI. TRAGIC DAYS IN EGYPT. 

(2 Kings 25: 22-30: Jer. 40-52.) 
When Jerusalem was taken, a small remnant of 
husbandmen and vine-dressers was left in Palestine. 
Among these the prophet Jeremiah cast his lot, prefer- 
ring to remain in the Holy Land rather than to accept 
assurance of safety in Babylon. Troubles arising later, 
however, these lonely exiles, fearing Xebuchadnezzars 
vengeance upon them for the murder of Gedaliah, all 
flee to Egypt — the prophet, under protest, accompanying 
them. In Egypt the la^t words of the great prophet 
are spoken, and in Egypt are lost to view the lives of 
all who went there from Jerusalem. Out of Egypt comes 
the wondrous prophecy of Jer. 46: 27, 28. foretelling so 
clearly the trying experiences of the Jews which age-long 
history has revealed. 

VII. LOYALTY IN BABYLON 

(2 Kings 24: 1-25: 21; Dan. 1-12.) 
Daniel and his comrades stand the test! They will 
not defile themselves with the king's meat nor pray to 
his image. In the result we see world rulers humbled, 
men of faith honored and the cause of God advanced. 
Space forbids details, but here are triumphs indeed in 
the land of bondage! 

VIII. BY THE RIVER CHEBAR 

(2 Kings 24:8-16; 2 Chron. 36:9, 10; Ezek. 1: 1, 2; 
Jer. 29.) 
A separate band of exiles, the fruit of Nebuchadnez- 



112 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM, 

zar's second invasion, is found at the river Chebar some 
three hundred miles from Babylon. Instructed and 
•steadied by Jeremiah, their hearts cry out to the world 
of all ages in the beautiful 137th Psalm. 
"By the rivers of Babylon, 

There we sat down, yea, we wept, 

When we remembered Zion. 

Upon the willows in the midst thereof 

We hanged up our harps. 

For there they that led us captive required of us songs, 

And they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, 

Sing us one of the songs of Zion. 

How shall we sing Jehovah's song 

In a foreign land? 

If I forget thee^ Jerusalem, 

Let my right hand forget her skill. 

Let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth, 

If I remember thee not; 

If I prefer not Jerusalem 

Above my chief joy." 

IX. LESSONS FROM THE LESSON. 

1. "Man's extremity is God's opportunity." 

2. A surface view of the world's Babylons will lead 
away from God, but a deeper view will quicken loyalty. 

3. One man — such as Daniel — can change the cur- 
rents of human history. 

4. "Windows open toward Jerusalem" are needed 
in every home. Often just a little taunting has closed 
them! Some have smiled and Ave have ceased to pray! 

5. The hearts of the people of old were like our 
: own. Witness the 137th Psalm! 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 113 

X. TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION, 

1. Stages in our journey. 

2. World-life at period we are studying. 

3. A study of influences upon Jewish captives. 

4. The pomp and power of kings in Daniel's day. 

5. Where do these trials and triumphs in the land of 
bondage find you? 





BLACKBOARD OUTLINE. 


Jk 








•s* 










TRI..AND TRI. 


IN 


THE LA. OF BOND. 


: I. 


Tak. Ou. Bear. 




V. Char. Vict. 


II. 


The Outl. 




VI. Trao. Da. in Egyp. 


III. 


A Fin. Test.-Ti. 




VII. Loyal, in Babyl. 


i IV ' 


Char. Def. 




VIII. By the Riv. Cheb. 


*— 









Drill Questions. — Use questions 317 to 327 in the 
back of this book. 



LESSON XVI. 

The Return to Jerusalem 

I. THE -DOOM OF BABYLON. 

Proud Babylon was no "continuing city," The 
"woes" of Scripture were against it. Its fall reveals 
most strikingly the vanity of all human planning when 
righteousness is ignored. From being the dread of 
Israel, we see Babylon changed, before our eyes, to 
the just prey of Israel's God. Bead Isaiah 13 and 14. 
where it is calmly and definitely announced that "Baby- 
lon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldeans' 



114 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

pride, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and 
Gomorrah" — and that ' Jehovah will have compassion 
on Jacob and set them in their own land." 

II. THE RETURN FORETOLD. 

The fixed limitations of the captivity have been 
noted before, but should be stated here. Jer. 25: 12 
boldly asserts God's will to "punish the king of Babylon 
when seventy years are accomplished/' and at that time 
Jehovah's "good word" is to be performed which will 
cause his people to return to Jerusalem (Jer. 29: ]0). 
III. AN ASTOUNDING UTTERANCE. 

Let us not, through familiarity with it, pass lightly 
by the wondrous word of Jeremiah. (1) Let Babylon's 
proud place in world-life be borne in mind. (2) Recall 
that the prophecy came from the heart of a slave. 

(3) Have in mind that a definite date was fixed. 

(4) The prophecy pointed to "a unique fact:" "there is 
nothing like it (the return of a captive nation) in 
history." (5) The very name of Israel's deliverer is 
given! (Isa. 44: 28; Isa. 45: 1.) 

IV. THE FULFILLMENT. 
The glory of Babylon departed with Nebuchadnezzar. 
Weak men succeeded him, and dissensions rent the 
kingdom. The day of Persian ascendency is at hand. 
Cyrus, the new world power, is before the gates of 
Babylon! Nabonadius seeks in vain to draw the con 
queror away from the city. Within there is false 
security, and Belshazzar i* at the fatal feast. The 
torrifying handwriting on the wall appears, Daniel is 
summoned, and the doom of city and kingdom is fear- 
lessly declared! Who now is king but God? 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 115 

V. THE DECREE OF CYRUS, 

It stirs the heart deeply, after all that we have noted, 
to read in Ezra 1:1: "Now in the first year of Cyrus 
king of Persia, that the word of Jehovah by the mouth 
of Jeremiah might be accomplished, Jehovah stirred 
up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a 
proclamation" looking toward the immediate return of 
the Jews to Jerusalem! 

VI. THE FIRST RETURN MOVEMENT. 
The record in Ezra — chapters 1 and 2 — tells of a 
company fifty thousand strong, under the leadership of 
Zerubbabel, facing away from Babylon to Jerusalem. 
The scene must have been dramatic in the extreme! 
Those remaining strengthened the hands of those going 
by precious gifts, and Cyrus himself placed in their 
hands vessels of the temple which Nebuchadnezzar had 
brought to Babylon. These for the first time had been in 
the house of false gods. Now they start home again 
to a temple of Jehovah! 

VII. THE SECOND RETURN MOVEMENT. 

Not stopping to study now the work of Zerubbabel 
and those accompanying him. we note that about eighty 
years later Ezra leads a company of some seven thousand 
back to the Holy City ( Ezra 7 ) . Upon arrival, Ezra 
introduces an era of reform, details of which have place 
in the lesson that follows. 

VIII. THE RETURN OF NEHEMIAH. 

Among the large number of Jews still remaining in 
Eastern lands, we find Nehemiah. cupbearer to King 
Artaxerxes. This man, noteworthy in many respects, 



116 SAUL TO BETE LEE EM. 

is greatly burdened by word which reaches him from 
Jerusalem. Careless of personal advantage, he asks 
and obtains permission to go to the Holy City himself 
to help rebuild its walls (Neh. 1: 1-2: 8). The splendid 
heroism of his service comes before us later. 

IX- LESSONS FROM THE LESSON. 

1. How clearly it is being revealed that pathways 
we are treading have been sketched of God and that 
all history is his story! 

2. "We have not here an abiding city." 

3. Not all are ready for the greatest boons of God! 
Only fifty thousand out of all the captive Jews at 
once caught the vision of the meaning of the return to 
Jerusalem ! 

X. TOPICS FOB DISCUSSION. 

1. The historic city of Babylon. 

2. The day of its overthrow. (See Ridpath, Vol. 
L, pp. 287-302.) 

3. Characteristics of Jeremiah's prophecy that reveal 
the divine. 

4. The majesty of prayer (Dan. 9:1-27). 

BLACKBOARD OUTLINE. 



A 
















RET. 


TO 


JFRU. 




r. 


Do. of Bab. 






V. 


Dec. of Cyr. 


ii. 


Ret. Foe. 






VI. 


Fib. Ret. Mov. 


in. 


AST. Utt. 






VII. 


Sec. Ret. Mov. 


IV. 


Fulf. 






VIII. 


Ret. of Neh. 



Drill Questions. — Use questions 328 to 342 in the 

back of this hook. 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 



117 



Returning from 
Babylon 



II. 



THE FIRST 
RETURN 
— Zerubbabel. 

THE SECOND 
RETURN 

— Ezra. 



Erected Altar. 
Rebuilt the 

Temple. 



Reformer. 
Teacher. 
Compiler and 



Editor. 



III. THE THIRD 
RETURN 

— Nehemiah. 



Rebuilt Walls. 



US SAUL TO BETELEBBM. 

LESSON XVII. 

Rebuilding the Temple 

I. THE LABORS OF ZERUBBABEL. 

The return to Jerusalem of this man of God has 
been noted in the preceding lesson. With his force of 
fifty thousand loyal hearts, he engages at once in the 
task before him. 

1. The Erection of an Altar (Ez. 3: 1-6). — 
Having provided for themselves temporary habitation? 
among the ruins of Jerusalem, the people come in the 
seventh month of the year — corresponding to our late 
September — to restore the altar of sacrifice, and it is 
significantly rebuilt upon its old foundation. 

2. Helpers Employed (Ez. 3: 7). — Immediate 
steps are taken to obtain, from the country round about 
Tyre and Sidon, cedar-trees from Lebanon, and carpen- 
1ers and masons are engaged, all under the grant of 
Gyrus. 

3. The Foundation Laid (Ez. 3: 8-11). — Joy be 
yond words marks the laying of the foundation of the 
temple. Trumpets and cymbals are employed in a ser 
vice of praise, and the people sing of Jehovah : "For he 
is good, for his lovingkinclness enchiretJi for ever." 

4. Weeping of the Aged (Ez. 3: 12, 13). —In the 
midst of the joy of the many, there is the discord 
of tears! Vet it is all right. The old men are not 
unhappy about the present, but the memory of the 
greater .araudeur of the first temple is before them, 
and the story of its ruin through their own sinful dis- 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 119 

loyalty is in mind. God has forgiven them, but let 
the tears flow! The future may be more secure in 
memory of the past! 

5. Opposition (Ez. 4:1-24). — Seeing the work 
prospering, strangers in the land in the territory of Judah 
and Benjamin sought an alliance. Fearing this, Zerub- 
babel declined. The result was continued trying opposi- 
tion, which became so powerful at court as to stop 
the work for a period of sixteen years. 

6. Success (Ez. 5: 1-6: 22). — Inspired by prophets 
and aided materially by the regained favor of the Persian 
throne, Zerubbabel continues the building, and "the 
children of Israel, the priests and the Levites, and the 
rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedica- 
tion of this house of God with joy." 

II. LABORS OF EZRA. 

This devout man faces Jerusalem intent upon the 
sublime purpose of teaching in Israel the statutes and 
ordinances of Jehovah (Ez. 7: 1-10). 

1. Favored of the King (Ez. 7: 11-26).— The let- 
ter of Artaxerxes — Ezra's commission — throws back of 
God's herald the resources of "the king's treasure- 
house." 

2. Thanksgiving ( Ez. 7 : 27, 28 ) . — Ezra feels 
deeply the favor of the king, and voices his gratitude in 
touching words of praise: "Blessed be Jehovah, the God 
of our father^, who hath put such a thing as this in the 
king's heart, to beautify the house of Jehovah which 
is in Jerusalem." 

3. Distress (Ez. 9: 1-15). — Learning of intermar- 
riages between God's people and alien nations round 



120 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

about them, Ezra, deeply grieved, humbles himself be- 
fore God in fervent petition. In striking words he cries 
unto heaven: "0 my God. I am ashamed and blush to 
lift up my face to thee." 

4. Penitence (Ez. 10:1-44). — Moved by Ezra's 
grief and convinced that their practices were introducing 
lines of weakness into Israel's life again, the people 
confess their sins before God, and mixed marriages are 
abandoned. 

5. Reform — In other ways Ezra wrought reforms, 
and he rendered conspicuous service in getting together, 
compiling and editing the writings of the Old Testa- 
ment Scriptures. 

III. THE LABOBS OF NEHEMIAH. 

The work of this man of God supplements earlier 
efforts on the part of those who had returned from 
lands of captivity. Zerubbabel's special task was the 
rebuilding of the temple, and Ezra was devoted to re- 
form measures. Nehemiah is the builder of the city's 
walls. 

1. Sad Tidings from Jerusalem (Neb. 1: 1-3). — 
At work in the comfort of the palace, Nehemiah learns 
tlhat the returned exiles are "in great affliction and re- 
proach," and that the wall of Jerusalem is "broken 
down" and "the gates thereof burned with fire." 

2. Devotion to a Great Task (Xeh. 1: 4-11). — 
Mourning before God for his brethren in need, and 
shamed by thoughts of Jerusalem's desolation, this rare 
Christian patriot humbles himself before God, and then 
nsks as a blessing, not good to the Holy City through 
some one else, but that he himself may be prospered 



SAIL TO BETHLEHEM. 121 

in his request to the king for permission to go to 
Jerusalem and do what waits to be done! 

3- Favored of tlie Kinfe (Neh. 2: 1-8).— "Pros- 
pered" as he prayed he might be, Nehemiah obtains the 
king's consent. He ascribes this blessing to "the good 
hand of my God." 

4. Good Cheer (Neh. 2: 9-18). — First viewing the 
whole wall, noting every need, Nehemiah then takes the 
rulers of the city into confidence, tells of the king's 
words, and cheers them with his own strong spirit in 
the appeal: "Come, and let us build up the wall of 
Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach." Answering 
promptly, "Let us rise up and build," it is said "they 
strengthened their hands" for the good work. 

5. Definite Plans (Neh. 2: 19-3 : 32) .—In spite 
of Samaritan ridicule, -the whole wall is apportioned 
and the work pressed forward. 

6. Opposition (Neh. 4: 1-21). — Sanballat and 
others, noting the ongoings of the work, think first to 
drive men from their posts by taunting. "What are these 
feeble Jews doing?" "If a fox go up, he shall break 
down their stone wall." To such slurs the only answer 
is the prayer, "Hear, our God, for we are despised." 
Later, when more bitter opposition developed, watchers 
were set day and night. Later still, half worked on 
the wall and half stood armed, and those who worked 
"had trowel in one hand and sword in the other." 

7. Triuinph (Neh. 6: 1-19) . — "Nehemiah's vigilance 
anticipated every difficulty, his prudent measures de- 
feated every obstruction, and with astonishing rapidity 
this Jerusalem was made again a city fortified." Not 
only was open opposition met, but devices of deceit 



122 SAUL W BETHLEHEM. 

failed to entrap Nehemiah. His noble response, "I am 
doing a great work so that I cannot come down," de- 
serves its age-long life. The story of Jerusalem's 
rebuilding is a dramatic record of consecration to and 
heroism in a lofty purpose. 

IV. LESSONS FROM THE LESSON. 

1. When the leadings of God's hand are welcomed 
there is a way out of every land of bondage. 

2. As cupbearer to a Persian king, Nehemiah's 
name would never have been known! As servant of God, 
his name lives in every land! Yet there were doubtless 
those to call him "foolish" for giving his time to 
Jerusalem ! 

3. The birth-hour of great purposes is the hour of 
prayer. 

4. "Come, let us build/' means success. "Go and 
build" means failure. It is the command of example 
that has power. 

5. If Christians of to-day, with a world-task on 
hand, would only learn to say to Wealth, Fashion, Pleas- 
ure, and every worldly appeal, "I am doing a great 
work and cannot come down," the gladness of complete 
conquest would soon be the crown of our Lord ! 

V. TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION. 

1. Why did not all return from the land of cap- 
tivity? What would you have done, judging by present 
life standards? 

2. The life and work of Ezra. 

3. What of the standing of a cupbearer? 

4. Why not confer in the plain of Ono? 

6. What traits of Nehemiah are needed now? 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 123 



Returning from 
Babylon 

I. THE FIRST RETURN. 

— Zerubbabel. 

II. THE SECOND RETURN. 

— Ezra. 

III. THE THIRD RETURN. 

— Nehemiah. 



124 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 





BLACKBOARD 


OUTLINE. 


'1* 








_♦. 










▼ 




REB 


. THE TEMP 






[. Lab. of Zer. 




II. Lab. ofEz. 


1. 

2. 
3. 
4. 

5. 


Erec. of an Alt. 
Help. Emp. 
Found. La. 
We. of the Ag. 
Oppos. 
Succ. 




1. 
2. 
3. 

4. 

5. 


Fav. of the Ki. 

Thanks. 

Dist. 

Penit. 

Ref. 




III. 


Lab. of 


NEH 




1. 
2. 
3. 

4. 


Sa/Tid. from Jems. 
Dev. to a Gre. Tas. 
Fav. of the Ki. 
Go. Che. 






5. Def. Pla. 
«. Oppos. 
Tri. 



Drill Questions. — Use questions 343 to 362 in the 
back of this book. 



LESSON XVIII. 

The Cheer of Prophets 

I. LAST DAYS. 

We have nearly completed the record afforded by the 
Old Testament Scriptures. Already we have viewed the 
captive Jews under Babylon, and the mild restraint of 
Persia, and we realize fully that the old national glory 
of the people of God is no more. But the sturdy faith 
of some still thrills us, and every word of these last 
words is exceedingly precious. Particularly are we 
moved to find God's prophets still at work, assuring 
the scattered "children of captivity" that a spiritual 
kingdom is on before which shall be to Israel greater 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 125 

glory than anything known in the past. The word 
is still forward, and we have not lost our way! 

II. CHEER FOR THE TEMPLE BUILDERS. 

In Ez. 5 : 1 there is the grateful record that "Haggai 
the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied 
unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem; in 
the name of the God of Israel prophesied they unto 
them." And it was a day of vital need for prophecy! 

III. PLEA AND PROMISE OF HAGGAI. 

Some of the people, discouraged by many obstacles, 
were saying: "It is not the time for Jehovah's house 
to be built" (Hag. 1:2). To these the prophet brings 
sternest rebuke (I: 3-6), and bids them, "Go up to the 
mountain, and bring wood, and build the house" ( 1 : 7 ) , 
assuring them of Jehovah's "pleasure" in it. Further, 
he cries, "Be strong, Zerubbabel, saith Jehovah; and 
be strong, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; 
and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith Jehovah, 
and work: for I am with you, saith Jehovah of hosts" 
( Hag. 2 : 4-9 ) . The result was a quickened spirit on 
the part of all, and the progress of the work. 

IV. STRENGTH FROM ZECHARIAH. 

Meeting Zerubbabel in his hour of great need, 
Zechariah positively assures him that he is to triumph 
in the splendid enterprise he has undertaken. "The 
hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this 
house; his hands shall also finish it" (Zech. 4:6-9). 

V. THE CONFIDENCE OF OBADIAH. 

In the time of his message-bearing Obadiah is dated 
at years immediately related to the capture of Jerusalem 



126 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

by Nebuchadnezzar. His prophecy is specially against 
him whose hand was merciless against Judah in her 
days of sorest trial. And Obadiah sees conditions re- 
versed. Clod's people are not only to possess their old 
ancestral tracts, "but Edom, Philistia, Samaria and part 
of Phoenicia." This earnest, happy, hopeful word only 
points through "materialistic forms" to Israel's coming- 
spiritual glory. 

VI. THE FINAL WORD OF MALACHI. 

1. A Tender Opening. — "I have loved you, saith 
Jehovah" (1:2). 

2. Coming Glory of Jehovah. — "From the ris- 
ing of the sun even unto the going down of the same my 
name shall be great among the Gentiles" (1:11). 

3. The Coming Messenger. — "Behold, I send my 
messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me" 
(3: 1)." 

4. "The Lord Whom Ye Seek."— "The Lord, 
whom ye seek, will suddenly come to his temple" (3: 1). 

5. His Ministry. — "But who can abide the day of 
his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? 
for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: and 
he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver" (3:2, 3). 

6. Judgment. — In the light of perfect knowledge 
we shall be judged, and sins of daily life that set aside 
the rights and blight the joys of those about us, will 
find swift condemnation (3:5, 6 ) . 

7. Robbery. — In striking teaching we are told that 
it is robbery to withhold the tenth from God! (3: 7-9). 

8. Abounding Blessings. — If, instead of robbing 
God, we "bring the whole tithe into the storehouse," 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 127 

it is promised that Jehovah will "open you the. windows 
of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall 
not be room enough to receive it" (3: 10). 

9. "The Day Cometh." — Day when "all the proud, 
and all that work wickedness, shall be stubble" (4: 1). 

10. "The Sun of Righteousness." — "But unto 
you. that fear my name shall the sun of righteousness 
arise with healing in its wings" ( 4 : 2 ) . Gracious 
word and almost the last! It has been very dark! But 
dawn is before us — dawn of earth's gladdest, sweetest 
day! One who has traveled clear from Eden can hardly 
it wait its coming! 

11. The Herald.— "Behold, I will send you Elijali 
tiie prophet before the great and terrible day of Jehovah 
come" ( 4 : 5 ) . We will look for him — this favored 
spokesman of Jehovah whose it is to introduce the 
better day! Our pathway brightens more and more. 

VII. LESSONS FROM THE LESSON. 

1. We cease sorrowing for temporal splendor when 
spiritual glory comes into view. 

2. God's word of comfort ever finds the heart that 
needs. How many illustrations of this the Scriptures 
alford. How prophets' ministry emphasizes the fact. 

3. Strength for present tasks is found in Godfs 
promises of truth's final conquest. 

4. We limit our blessings by deliberately refusing 
to meet conditions. Tithes from Us mean opened win- 
doius of heaven for us! And God will not dare pour 
out full measure of blessings upon less than tithers! 

5. The herald is coming and he will show us Him 
whom we seek! 



128 



HAUL TO BETHLEHEM, 




SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 129 

VIII. TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION. 

1. The temples of Solomon and Zerubbabel in con- 
trast. 

2. The service of the prophets. 

3. Review of Messianic prophecies. 

4. The relation of Mai. 4: 10 to present-day giving. 

5. Figurative names applied to the coming One. 

BLACKBOARD OUTLINE. 



CHE. OF PROPH. 
I. La. Da. 

II. Che. for the Temp. Buil. 

III. Ple. and Prom, of Hag. 
IV. Strex. from Zecii. 

V. Conf. of Obad. 
VI. Fix. Wo. of Mala. 

1. Tend. Open. 5. His Minis. 9. Da. Com. 

2. Com. Glo. of Job. 6. Jndtf. 10. Su. of Right. 
8. Com. Mess. 7. Robb. 11. Her. 

4. "The Lord Wh. Ye See." 8. Abound. Bless. 

Drill Questions. — Use questions 363 to 367 in the 
back of this book. 



LESSON XIX. 

From Malachi to Christ 

I. THE LAST WORD. 

We have heard the last word spoken. The record 
is closed. But the last word is a word of hope, and with 
hearts of eagerness we look to the further unfolding of 



130 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

the economy of God. We are trusting in the promises, 
and they will not fail! 

II. A LONG SILENCE. 

For four hundred years, following Malachi, no in- 
spired voice speaks for God. But He with whom we 
have to do is not idle. Gradually, by his own hands, 
is being shaped "the fulness of times'' when Heaven 
will give to earth its most wondrous message ! 

III. FIVE PERIODS OF HISTORY. 

The days that intervene between the Old and New 
Testaments fall into five political periods: 

1. Cyrus and Persian Power. — This period we 
have already seen introduced by the capture of Babylon 
by Cyrus. The favors shown God's people are in mind. 
While subject to Persia and under the general direction 
of Persian rulers, the Jews enjoyed great privileges and 
dealt directly with their own high priest. 

2. Alexander and Macedonian Power. — -The 
resistless Alexander the Great overthrew the Persians, 
and the Jews found themselves under new masters. 
Again, however, they were favored, and in the new capital 
at Alexandria specially welcomed and privileged. 

3. Syrian Ascendancy. — Now come days of sore 
trial for the "children of captivity" whose .fortunes we 
are following. The rulers, says Dean, "were dissolute 
tyrants." On one occasion Antiochus Epiphanes, ''re- 
turning from defeat in Egypt, vented his vengeance on 
Jerusalem" in lines of murder and special indignities. 
"Ho massacred forty thousand of the population, strip- 
ped llio temple of its treasures, and outraged the re- 
ligious sense of the Jews bv sacrificing a sow on the 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 131 

altaiy and sprinkling the interior of the temple with 
the liquor in which a portion of the unclean beast had 
been boiled.' 5 

4. Maccabean Revolt. — Outraged by Syrian treat- 
ment, great numbers of the suffering slaves vindicated 
their remaining faith in Israel's God by giving up their 
lives rather than surrender their religion which was 
under the prohibition of the throne. Finally a priestly 
family — the Maccabees — led in open rebellion, and a 
"troubled independence" was Avon. 

5. Roman Rule. — World power is here! A univer- 
sal empire — the first in history — is established. And 
within this empire the Jews ! Surviving &11 vicissitudes 
and outliving nations that enslaved them, the strange 
people of God, with their persistent identity and with 
the sad lesson of the utter fruitlessness of all idolatry 
well learned, await in "feverish expectancy" the coming 
of their King. But it was a king like other kings they 
wanted, only that he should have greater poioer. Nor 
can we, after tracing their long, sad history, wonder at 
their longings. Charity for the Jews is born of the 
knowledge of their record. And yet their very record of 
sorrow traces back to their own sin, and what they need 
now is not a martial leader, but the Prince of peace — 
not one to lead against other nations, but one to lead 
toward God! 

IV. THE FULLNESS OF TIMES. 

In the providences of God "all things are ready." 
( 1 ) Universal empire favors speedy dissemination of 
knowledge to all mankind. (2) Rome's great system of 
roads makes the Eastern world a neighborhood. (3) 



132 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

It is a clay of light intellectually, and carefully attested 
records will go down to later ages. What is done can 
not be discounted' as though wrought out in a period 
of darkness. (4) "Heathen creeds rest lightly on their 
worshipers." By reason of Rome's politic recognition 
of all religions, all have become characterless. A new 
Word of power will gain a hearing. (5) Devout souls 
are waiting for some one — something from the East. 
Where is the light ? If the long silence is not broken 
now, the world's hope will die! 

V. ON TO BETHLEHEM! 

Journeying through the hill country of Judea, we 
find a home where special joy has come. To aged 
parents a child has been born, and they tell us strange 
things about it all. An angel spoke to the father as 
he ministered in temple courts, and, with allusion to 
Another who was to come, said that this child would 
"go before his face in the spirit and power of Elijah." 
It is as though Malachi's word had life! 

As guide-posts on the roadway point the traveler 
to his journey's end, so this incident decides at once 
next steps in our present journey. If this babe is the 
Elijah promised of old, the One greater than he will 
be found at Bethlehem, for so Micah plainly taught. 
Let us go thither. 

At Bethlehem there are no tokens of new word from 
on high. Weeks pass, and months, and we wait in vain, 
helplessly. We are at our journey's end, but He whom 
we seek is not here! 

At last a time of taxing comes and the village is 
overrun with people. Among the multitude that gathers, 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 133 

some eome from Nazareth, far to the north, and, among 
these, two to whom God has talked, but whom we pass 
on the way, not noting. 

Moved deeply — deferred hope making sick, while 
faith struggles to make us strong again — we spend this 
one night of all history out in the open fields. Promises 
from Eden down are cherished, and it is time said this 
is the place for their fulfillment! Where is the virgin — 
where her son? Shepherds are sleeping, all save one 
who acts as guard, and the town yonder is silent! My 
God! is it all a mistake? 

As though to answer prayer that trembles on the 
lips, light brightens in the east, and a soft, sweet glow, 
speaking of heaven's peace and favor, makes new in 
beauty the field of favored shepherds. "And an angel 
of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord 
shone round about them; and they were sore afraid: 
and the angel said unto them, Be not afraid; for be- 
hold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall 
be to all the people: for there is born to you this day 
in the city of David a Saviour who is Christ the Lord." 

With humble men from fields of Bethlehem we go 
to the manger cradle and offer our gifts! Words fail us 
utterly, but God understands the language of the 
heart! Our long journey makes us the more apprecia- 
tive. Eden's word lives again, and He is here who will 
bruise the serpent's head! Abram's seed to bless all 
nations, Judah's Shiloh, David's King, are all in One 
before us! The virgin's child — Immanuel — is here! 
The Sun of righteousness is risen! 

In Jesus' presence our task ends, and yet at the 
end of this record is the beginning of holiest exhorta- 



134 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

tion. God grant that pathways of old — pathways of 
Jehovah — may be more sacred than before, and the 
beginning and end of the journey — Eden and Bethlehem 
— more significant. And may it be, reversing the names, 
that under the dear, new Guide whom we have found, 
Prophet, Priest and King in One, that we may journey 
safely and in joy from our Bethlehems here to Eden's 
joys beyond! 

BLACKBOARD OUTLINE. 



FR. MAL. TO CHRIST. 

I. La. Wo. 

II. Lo. SlL. 

III. Fi. Per. of Hist. 

1. Cyr. and Pers. Pow. 4. Maccab. Rev. 

2. Alex, and Maced. Potv. 5. Rom, Ru. 

3. Syr. Ascend. 

IV. Full, of Tim. 

V. On to Beth. 



Drill Questions. — Use questions 368 to 376 in the 

back of this book. 



LESSON XX. 

Review 

Use questions 1 to 376 in the back of this book. If 
you can answer all these questions, you will be sure to 
make a high grade on your examination. Get your 
examination questions from your State superintendent 
of teacher-training. 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 



135 



DRILL QUESTIONS 



1. 

called? 

2. 

3. 

4. 
called? 

5. 

6. 

■7. 

called? 

8. 

9. 

10. 
called? 

11. 

12. 

13. 
called? 

14. 

15. 

16. 
called? 

17. 

18. 

19. 
Law? 



What is the first period of the Old Testament 

What is the extent of the first period? 

What Scripture covers the first period? 

What is the second period of the Old Testament 

What is the extent of the second period? 
What Scripture covers the second period? 
What is the third period of the Old Tetsament 

What is the extent of the third period? 
What Scripture covers the third period? 
What is the fourth period of the Old Testament 

What is the extent of the fourth period? 
What Scripture covers the fourth period? 
What is the fifth period of the Old Testament 

What is the extent of the fifth period? 
What Scripture covers the fifth period? 
What is the sixtli period of the Old Testament 

What is the extent of the sixth period? 
What Scripture covers the sixth period? 
What are the keywords for the books of the 



136 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

20. What are the keywords for the books of History? 

21. What are the keywords for the books of Devo- 
tion? 

22. What are the keywords for' the books of Proph- 
ecy? 

23. Name some of the main stopping-places on the 
journey from Adam to Saul. 

24. Name some of the acquaintances we have made 
on the way. 

25. Name at least four foregleams that have bright- 
ened the way from Eden to the throne of Saul. 

26. What four types of literature do Old Testa- 
ment records present? 

27. What was Israel's historic standing? 

28. What three reigns are of unusual historic in- 
terest? 

29. What five specially dramatic incidents find 
place in the record from Solomon to Nehemiah? 

30. What reformer marks the later period of Is- 
rael's history? 

31. Who turns from royal palace to rebuild Jeru- 
salem? 

32. What Jewish maiden withstood the temptations 
of an alien court? 

33. Who is the sweet singer of Israel? 

34. What book of the Bible is largely David's au- 
thorship? 

35. What is Gladstone's tribute to the Psalms? 

36. To whom are most of the Proverbs credited? 

37. Describe the Proverbs. 

38. What is the value of Proverbs? 

39. Were prophets only foretellers? 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 137 

40. What was the place of the prophets in the life 
of their day? 

41. Who was the ultimate "burden" of prophecy? 

42. Give at least ten events in the history from the 
coronation of Saul to the division of the kingdom? 

43. Quote two of the treasures of the Psalms. 

44. Quote two of the precepts of wisdom. 

45. Quote two of the gems of prophecy. 

46. What foe threatens Israel at opening of Saul's 
reign? 

47. What people are specially threatened? 

48. What pitiless condition of surrender is exacted 
by Ammonites? 

49. Who comes to relief of Jabesh-gilead? 

50. What is urged upon the king in the day of his 
victory? _ 

51. Where does Saul's formal induction into office 
take place? 

52. How does Samuel vindicate himself in the as- 
sembly at Gilgal? 

53. What is the special point of Samuel's address? 

54. How is his message attested as from God? 

55. What is the effect upon the people? 

56. What word is warranted when the people fear 
God? 

57. What foe next challenges Israel? 

58. What of the numbers of the Philistine host? 

59. What is Israel's state of mind? 

60. Where, however, is the real struggle? 

61. Who is on the way to Him with Heaven's aid? 

62. W T hen is Samuel to come? 

63. In his impatience what does Saul do? 



138 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

64. Did Samuel come on time? 

65. What is his sad word to Saul? 

66. What penalty is inflicted? 

67. What is the great lesson of the incident? 

68. Who wins a great victory of faith? 

69. Who is involved in death under decree of Saul? 

70. By whom is Jonathan rescued? 

71. What indicates Saul's favor with Jehovah? 

72. What is the name of the king's wife? 

73. Name his sons. 

74. Name his daughters. 

75. Against what nation does Jehovah issue decree 
of utter extinction? 

76. Who is to enforce the decree? 

77. Is there any reason to think he did not under- 
stand the commandment of God perfectly? 

78. Give three fundamental reasons for the decree 
against the Amalekites. 

79. What was the result of Saul's engagement with 
Amalekites? 

80. How did Saul disobey commands of God? 

81. What the effect upon Samuel 9 

82. To what does Saul stoop to cover his sin? 

83. When Saul claims he kept cattle for sacrifice 
what rebuke does the prophet administer? 

84. What is told Saul pointedly? 

85. What is the end? 

86. Who is sent, by the Lord, to the house of Jesse? 

87. Whom does he anoint? 

88. What is said of David's personal appearance? 

89. What does David do immediately following the 
anointing? 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 130 

90. To what duty is he next called? 

91. What representative of the Philistines chal- 
lenges all Israel? 

92. Who defeats him? 

93. What results from David's victory? 

94. What changes Saul's disposition toward David? 

95. To what strategy does Saul resort, seeking 
David's destruction? 

96. Who becomes David's wife? 

97. Who intercedes with the king for David? 

98. What is the result of the intercession? 

99. Why and how does Saul prove false? 

100. How does David seek safety? 

101. What great character tests come to David? 

102. What of David's victories? 

103. In what battle do forces of Saul meet final 
defeat? 

104. To what station does Saul's death introduce 
David? 

105. Where does the second anointing take place? 

106. What general of Saul's army refuses allegiance 
to David? 

107. Whom does he have declared king? 

108. W T hat general does David send against Abner? 

109. What is the result of the battle? 

110. What two men, later, meet violent deaths? 

111. What is the result, in Israel, of the death of 
these men? 

112. To what station does David come? 

113. What of the ark at this time? 

114. What is David's reverent plan toward God? 

115. What is revealed as Heaven's will? 



140 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

116. What of David's war record? 

117. What of his peace record? 

118. To whom does he show special honor? 

119. In what other light does the record reveal 
David than as king of Israel? 

120. What were the steps in his sin? 

121. Who rebukes David? 

122. What were the penalties of his sin? 

123. What of the king's penitence? 

124. What second son was born to David and Bath- 
sheba? 

125. Who was murdered as the result of a palace 
scandal ? 

126. Who was the murderer? 

127. What does Absalom do? 

128. What of David's feelings? 

129. Who secured Absalom's recall? 

130. W^hat hard restriction was named? 

131. How long before Absalom was welcomed into 
David's presence? 

132. What of Absalom's utter un worthiness and 
base ingratitude? 

133. What was the result of his treasonable deal- 
ings? 

134. Where did Absalom ask to go, and why? 

135. What was David's course? 

136. What actions indicate his humility of spirit? 

137. Quote the king's lament at the death of his 
son. 

138. What protest was voiced by Joab? 

139. What of David's spirit in these trying days? 

140. Quote his charge to Solomon. 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 141 

141. What is the last Psalm of David? 

142. How long was David's reign? 

143. Where was he buried? 

144. What were the conditions at opening of Sol- 
omon's reign? 

145. What son of David tried to usurp the throne? 

146. What was the decree of Solomon against 
Adonijah? 

147. What priest was banished from the court of 
Solomon? 

148. What prophecies were fulfilled in the banish- 
ment of Abiathar? 

149. What other man of note fell under the disfavor 
of the king? 

150. What of the decree against Shimei, and the 
result? 

151. What was th~e result of the overthrow of these 
disloyal men? 

152. Whom did Solomon marry? 

153. What does this marriage suggest? 

154. In spite of the king's mistakes, what was 
Heaven's attitude toward him? 

155. Where was an assembly of the people called for 
service of sacrifice? 

156. What wonderful word came from Jehovah to 
Solomon? 

157. What might the young king have been expected 
to request? 

15S. What did he ask from Jehovah? 

150. What answer was returned? 

160. What of the attitude of the kino? 

161. What condition links with promises given? 



142 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

162. What test of Solomon's wisdom is recorded? 

163. Indicate points of splendor in the reign of 
Solomon. 

164. What was the chief blessing? 

165. What king congratulated Solomon? 

166. What purpose did Solomon reveal to Hiram? 

167. What help did he ask from Hiram? 

168. What plan was agreed upon? 

169. In exchange for timber and labor, what did 
Solomon give Hiram? 

170. What mountain was the site of the temple? 

171. What classes of workmen were employed in its 
construction? 

172. What were the dimensions of the temple 
proper? 

173. What was the main point involved in its con- 
struction? 

174. What of its splendor? 

175. When was the temple of Solomon built? 

176. By whom and when was it destroyed? 

177. By whom and when was it restored? 

178. By whom and when was this second temple 
greatly changed and enlarged? 

179. By whom and when was the temple of Herod 
destroyed? 

180. What yielded its place in Israel's life at the 
dedication of Solomon's temple? 

181. Oive the order of the procession to the temple 
in the dedicatory service. 

182. What was the great question in the heart of 
Solomon when the ark was placed within the Holy of 
Holies of the new temple? 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 143 

183. How was the question answered? 

184. What of Solomon's feelings before Jehovah? 

185. For what does he specially pray? 

186. What is his special closing word of praise? 

187. What plea is now voiced to Solomon? , 

188. Of what burden do the people complain? 

189. What indications are there of decline in the 
king's faith-life? 

190. What grievous sin finally marks him? 

191. What is Solomon's third message from 
Jehovah ? 

192. What is the bitter wail of the king at the 
close? 

193. With what victor cry is this in marked con- 
trast? 

194. What is Mozley's tribute to Hebrew prophecy? 

195. Who is the "Imrden" of the Davidic prophecies? 

196. What of the duration of the promised king- 
dom? 

197. In what martial way is the coming One por- 
trayed ? 

198. In what lines of royalty is he pictured? 

199. What of his final conquests in the earth? 

200. What of the cost of his victory? 

201. Who were the kings of Israel before the di- 
vision of the kingdom? 

202. When the kingdon was divided, what was the 
northern kingdom called? 

203. How many tribes did it embrace? 

204. Who was king? 

205. What was the southern kingdom called? 

206. What tribes did it embrace? 



144 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

207. Who was king? 

208. How many kings did the northern kingdom 
have? 

209. Name five of them. 

210. How many kings did the southern kingdom 
have? 

211. Name five of them. 

212. What of the comparative territory and pop- 
ulation ol the two kingdoms? 

213. What comparison between them religiously? 

214. What of comparison in elements of stability? 

215. By his apostacy from God what title does 
Jeroboam win for himself? 

216. Where does he establish capitals? 

217. Why two capitals? 

218. Following Jeroboam what group of petty kings 
reign? 

219. What of the life ol the period? 

220. What king and queen next rule? 

221. What of their reign, in life and influence? 

222. What "Voice" calls a halt? 

223. In following Judah's line what is the special 
interest? 

224. Which way did Rehoboam and Abijam lead the 
people? 

225. Who were the next two kings? 

226. Which way did they lead? 

22"/. Whose counsel did Rehoboam reject? 

228. Whose counsel did he accept? 

229 What is said of Abijam? 

230. How long" did Asa reign? 

231. What is said of him? 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 145 

232. What incessant war marks these days? 

233. What great invasion does Asa repel? 

234. What prophet voices cheer to Asa? 

235. How long did Jehoshaphat reign? 

236. What is said of him? 

237. During what years is Israel's history divided 
into "two streams"? 

238. Who are the last rulers of the house of Ahab? 

239. What of their reigns? 

240. Who comes to the throne and executes the just 
vengeance of God? 

241. What disappoints us in Jehu? 

242. As a reward, what boon does God grant Jehu? 

243. What of the day of these four men? 

244. What prophets are back of all the good? 

245. What are the vindications of Israel's coming 
fall? 

246. Through whom does Israel now take her most 
definite step downward? 

247. How long did this man reign? 

248. Through whom the second step downward? 

249. How does he postpone captivity? 

250. Through whom the third step downward? 

251. Through whom the fourth step downward? 

252. W 7 hat is said of him? 

253. W 7 ho invades Israel's territory during Pekah's 
reign? 

254. Who succeeds Pekah as last king of Israel? 

255. In what year of Hoshea's reign d,oes he yield 
to Assyria? 

256 How many tribes are here lost to view for- 
ever? 



146 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

257. To what kingdom alone must we now look for 
fulfillment of the promises of Jehovah? 

258. What two kings succeeded the righteous reigns 
of Asa and Jehoshaphat? 

259. What great mistake did Jehoshaphat make? 

260. What was the influence upon Jehoram? 

2'61. How did the innfluence go down to Jehoram's 
son, Ahaziah? 

262. In what revolution did Ahaziah meet his 
death? 

263. In vengeance, what does Athaliah attempt? 

264. Who alone escapes? 

265. Who leads a revolt against Athaliah? 

266. Who is placed upon the throne? 

267. What of the influence of Jehoiada? 

268. After Jehoiada's death, to whose influence did 
Joash yield? 

269. What four kings succeed Joash? 

270. What the character of the period? 

271. What splendid name counters the evil of his 
day? 

272. What prophets help him in the struggle up- 
ward? 

273. When does the young king begin to tell for 
God? 

274. In what year of Hezekiah's reign is the north- 
ern kingdom carried away into Assyrian captivity? 

275. In what year of his reign does Assyria capture 
fortified cities of Judah? 

276. To stay the tide of invasion, what does Hez- 
ekiah first do? 

277. What is next step of Assyria? 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 147 

278. What mocking question do they ask? 

279. To whom was this a challenge? 

280. What does Hezekiah do? 

281. What further message of defiance is received 
from Assyria? 

282. What does Hezekiah do with the letter? 

283. What is his prayer? 

284-. What the sublime motive of the prayer? 

285. Through whom does Jehovah answer the prayer 
of faith? 

286. What is his assurance? 

287. How is Assyria discomfited? 

288. Who succeed Hezekiah? 

289. What of their reigns? 

290. Through whom is righteousness . again en- 
throned? 

291. What acts of loyalty marked him? 

292. How was he finally ensnared? 

293. In what battle did he lose his life? 

294. Who succeeds Josiah? 

295. Who next rules Judah? 

296. What invasion marks this time? 

297. Who are carried into captivity? 

298. Who next rules? 

299. What further invasion? 

300. What petty king is last of the roll? 

301. What of the record? 

302. What of the outlook? 

303. In whom may we place special confidence? 

304. What have prophets given as the limit of the 
captivity ? 

305. When do prophets multiply? 



148 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

306. What was incidental in prophetic ministry? 

307. What was the fundamental mission of the 
prophets? 

308. Of what did Amos speak? 

309. What did Hosea make clear? 

310. What was Isaiah's theme? 

311. What was foretold by Zechariah? 

312. Who brings Bethlehem into view? 

313. Who appeals mournfully for Israel's return to 
Jehovah ? 

314. What does Zephaniah picture? 

315. Who tell of the coming captivity and fix its 
limits? 

316. What other prophet voices enrich the day be- 
fore us? . 

317. W<hat periods have we now covered in our Old 
Testament study? 

318. To what last period do we now turn? 

319. What is the condition of the twelve tribes of 
Israel? 

320. What is the bearing of this captivity? 

321. How did Jews stand the test? 

322. Who went to Egypt? 

323. What prophet accompanied them? 

324. Who went to Babylon? 

325. Whose triumphs in special trials of faith are 
recorded? 

326. Who are found by the Chebar? 

327. What of their spirit? 

328. What is the Bible's description of Babylon? 

329. What prophecy was voiced against it because 
of its sin? 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 149 

330. Who was God's instrument in next steps of the 
historic unfolding? 

331. Whose fatal feast was in progress as Cyrus 
came to the city's gates? 

332. What alarmed the banqueters? 

333. Who was called to interpret it? 

334. When was the decree issued favorable to the 
Jews? 

335. What was the decree? 

336. How many returned in the first movement? 

337. Who was their leader? 

338. When did a second company face toward Jerus- 
alem? 

339. Who was their leader? 

340. Who was Nehemiah? 

341. What word did he receive from Jerusalem? 

342. How does he prove his splendid patriotism? 

343. What finds early place in the records of Zerub- 
babel's Jerusalem life? 

344. Who are secured as helpers? 

345. What accomplishment first causes great joy? 

346. Who are found weeping, and why? 

347. When there are promises of success, what de- 
velops? 

348. What tactics are pursued? 

349. When favor is regained, what steps are taken? 

350. What was Ezra's special motive in going to 
Jerusalem ? 

351. What grieves him? 

352. What results from his appeal to Israel? 

353. What other work is to be credited to Ezra? 

354. Who supplemented the labors of Zerubbabel? 



150 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

355. To whom did Nehemiah credit the favor shown 
him by the king? 

356. What was his cry of cheer and confidence? 

357. To what does opposition first resort? 

358. How is this answered? 

359. To what do enemies next resort? 

360. What answer does Nehemiah return? 

361. What is a tender name applied to Israel? 

362. What is the token of God's constant remem- 
brance of them? 

363. Who gives cheer to temple-builders? 

364. Of whose "pleasure" in the temple does he 
speak? 

365. Whom does Haggai personally bid "be strong?" 

366. Who says "the hands of Zerubbabel shall finish 
it" (the temple)? 

367.- Who foretells reversal of present unfavorable 
conditions? 

368. Who speaks the final word? 

369. What definite Messianic word does he voice? 

370. How many years intervene between our last 
prophecy and the coming of Christ? 

371. When may we expect the silence of Heaven to 
be broken? 

372. How many periods of history between Old and 
New Testaments? 

373. )fame them. 

374. What things of Rome's day indicate that "the 
fulness of times" is at hand? 

375. What tidings come from the "hill country of 
Judith?" 

376. What tidings come from Bethlehem? 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 151 



ANSWERS TO DRILL 
QUESTIONS 



1. Period of probation. 

2. From the creation to the deluge. 

3. Gen. 1 : 1-8 : 14. 

4. Preparation. 

5. From the deluge to the exodus, 
(i. Gen. 8: 15^50: 26; Ex. 1: 1-14: 31. 

7. Conquest. 

8. From the exodus to the coronation of Saul. 

9. Exodus 15-40, Leviticus, Xumbers, Deuteron- 
omy, Joshua, Judge, Ruth and the first ten chapters of 
1 Samuel. 

10. Power. 

11. From the coronation of Saul to the division of 
the kingdom. 

12. 1 Sam. 11:31, 2 Sam. 1 Kings 1:11, 1 
Chron. 10:2'9, 2 Chron. 1:9, Job (of unknown date), 
Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon. 

13. Decline. 

14. From the division of the kingdom to the Baby- 
lonian captivity. 

1<5. 1 Kings 12:22, 2 Kings, 2 Chron. 10:36, 
Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Hosea, Joel, Amos, 
Jonah, Micah, Xahum, Habakkuk and Zephaniah. 

16. Servitude. 

17. From the Babylonian captivity to Christ. 



152 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

18. Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Ezekiel, Daniel, Oba- 
diali, Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi. 

19. Beginnings, Wilderness Life, Priesthood, Census, 
Law's Restatement. 

20. Conquest, Dark Ages, Faithfulness, The Rise of 
the Kingdom, The Kingdom in Power, The Kingdom in 
Weakness, The Kingdom in Captivity, Supplemental His- 
tory, Reform, Restoration, Palace Patriotism. 

21. Patience, Praise, Precepts of Wisdom, Medita- 
tion, Love. 

22. The Kingdom of God, Captivity of Judah, Sor- 
row, Israel's Restoration, Fearless Devotion, Sins of 
Israel, Plagues of Judah, Divine Judgments, Destruc- 
tion of Edom, Fall of Nineveh, The Mount of Jehovah, 
Nineveh's Ruin, Chaldean Invasion, Woes for Judah, 
Temple Rebuilding, The New Israel, The Coming One. 

23. Eden, Ararat, Ur, Haran, Shechem, Bethel, 
Hebron, Egypt, Wilderness, Gilgal, Jericho, Ai, Ebal, 
Gerizim, Gibeon, Shiloh, Kadesh, Hebron, Shechem, 
Bezer, Golan, Ramoth, Shechem, The Land of Moab, The 
Hill Country of Ephraim, Kiriath-jearim, Mizpah. 

24. Leading Characters: Adam, Noah, Abraham, 
Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Samuel. 

Associate Characters: Eve, Cain, Abel, Seth, Shem, 
Ham, Japheth, Sarah, Lot, Isaac, Jacob, the brothers of 
Joseph and the Pharaoh of Egypt, Jethro, Aaron, Nadab, 
Caleb, Achan, Samson, Ruth, Hannah and Eli. 

25. (1) Gen. 3: 15. Seed of the woman. 

(2) Gen. 4:4. Lamb of God. 

(3) Gen. 12: 1-3. Blessings through Abram. 

(4) Gen. 49: 10. Shiloh. 






SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 153 

(•5) Deut. 18: 15-19. Prophet "like unto 
Moses." 

(6) Heb. 4: 8. Joshua and "promised land." 

(7) Matt. 1: 5-16. Ruth an ancestress of Jesus. 

(8) 1 Sam. 2:35, 36. Perpetual priesthood. 

26. History. Poetry, Proverbs and Prophecy. 

27. Much of the time great in the world's life. 

28. Reigns of Saul, David and Solcmion. 

29. Division of the kingdom, invasions, loss of the 
ten tribes, captivity of Judah, the return to and re- 
building of Jerusalem. 

30. Ezra. 

31. Xehemiah. 

32. Esther. 

33. David. 

34. The Psalms. 

35. "To the work they have accomplished there is 
no parallel upon the earth." 

36. Solomon. 

37. Practical and pithy applications of the truths 
of God. 

38. Portray truth clearly and in a way to be re- 
membered. 

39. Xo. 

40. Dauntless preachers of righeteousness. 

41. The Christ. 

42. ( 1 ) Saul anointed king. 

(2) David in the field of Jesse. 

(3) David anointed by Samuel. 

(4) David slays Goliath. 

(5) Saul, defeated, kills himself, 



154 J3A UL TO BETHLEHEM. 

(-6) David, king of Judah. 

(7) David, king of Israel. 

(8) Jerusalem taken and made the capital. 

(9) David sins grievously. 

(10) David's rebuke by Nathan. 

(11) The king in penitence. 

(12) Solomon born. 

( 13 ) Absalom in rebellion. 

(14) Solomon proclaimed king. 

(15) The temple built and dedicated. 

(16) Solomon's death. 

(17) The kingdom divided. 

43. ( 1 ) Heaven's idea of a happy man — "His de- 

light is in the law of Jehovah." 
(2) The shepherd's care — "The Lord is my shep- 
herd; I shall not want." 

44. ( 1 ) "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of 

knowledge" ( Prov. 1:7). 
(2) "He that ruleth his spirit is better than he 
that taketh a city" (Prov. 16: 32). 

45. (1) "The mountains and the hills shall break 

forth before you into singing, and all the 
trees of the field shall clap their hands" 
(Isa. 55: 12). 
(2) "But unto you that fear my name shall the 
sun of righteousness arise with healing in its 
wings" (Mai. 4: 2). 

46. Ammonites. 

47. Inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead. 

48. That right eyes of captives be put out. 

49. Saui, in splendid rally of his forces west of the 
Jordan. 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 155 

50. Vengeance upon those who had refused allegi- 
ance. 

51. At Gilgal. 

52. By appeal to his unquestioned life. 

53. To set before Israel conditions of divine favor 
and disfavor. 

54. By rainstorm in answer to prophet's call. 

55. They bow in fear before God. 

56. 'Tear not," 

57. Philistines. 

58. They were "as the sand upon the seashore." 

59. Forgetful of the sure help of Jehovah, they 
break down utterly, hiding in caves, thickets and among 
the rocks. 

60. In the heart of Saul. 

61. Samuel. 

62. The seventh day. 

63. Before Samuel comes, he usurps the place of a 
prophet of God and orders priests to prepare sacrifices. 

64. Yes, before the close of the promised seventh 
day. 

65. That he has done "foolishly." 

66. The kingdom shall pass from the house of Saul. 

67. Obedience. 

68. Jonathan, 

69. Jonathan; 

70. By the people. 

71. Conquests of his "enemies on every side." 

72. Ahinoam. 

73. Jonathan, Ishvi and Malchishua. 

74. Merab and Michal. 

75. Amalekites. " 



156 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

76. Saul. 

77. None whatever. 

78. ( 1 ) They were impenitently sinful in spite of 

every effort to lead them to better things. 

( 2 ) Being evil and only evil, they were a menace 
to humankind. 

(3) The world needed the lesson as to sin's 
certain consequences. 

79. A complete victory for Israel. 

80. By saving King Agag alive, and also keeping 
best of the cattle. 

81. In his sorrow he cries all night unto God. 

82. Lying deceit. 

83. "Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offer- 
ing and sacrifices as in obedience to the voice of the 
Lord?" 

84. That the Lord has rejected him. 

85. Death by his own hand in the fateful hour of 
defeat at Gilboa. 

86. Samuel the prophet. 

87. David. 

88. A lad "ruddy, and withal of beautiful counten- 
ance." 

89. Returns to the fields and to his duties as a 
shepherd. 

90. To be a minstrel before Saul. 

91. Goliath. 

92. David. 

83. The favor of the king and acquaintance with 
his son Jonathan. 

94. The song of the women. 

95. Suggesting David's marriage to his daughter, 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 157 

he exacts conditions that he thinks will "make David 
fall" at the hand of the Philistines. 

96. Michal. 

97. Jonathan. 

98. Saul relents, and David is in his presence "as 
beforetime." 

99. Maddened by credit the people give David for 
his further victories, he tries to strike him down with 
his spear. 

100. In flight. 

101. Twice Saul is in his power, and his men urge 
him to save himself by killing him who unjustly seeks 
his life. 

102. He refuses absolutely to raise his hand against 
"the Lord's anointed." __ 

103. Gilboa. 

104. King "over the house of Judah." 

105. Hebron. 

106. Aimer. 

107. Ish-bosheth, Saul's son. 

108. Joab. 

109. Utter defeat of Abner. 

110. Abner and Ish-bosheth. 

111. The people turn to David. 

112. King of all Israel. 

113. It is moved from Kiriath-jearim to Jerusalem. 

114. To build a temple. 

115. That the temple should not be built by David, 
but by his son. 

116. He is continuously successful in war with Phil- 
istines, Moabites and many other peoples. 



158 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

117. He "executed justice and righteousness unto 
all his people." 

118. Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, last of the line 
of Saul. 

119. The slave of sin. 

120. Meditation, yielding, fear, deception, murder. 

121. Nathan, the prophet of God. 

122. Distresses within his household and the death 
of the child of his sin. 

123. Prostrate before the Lord, and fasting, he cries, 
"I have sinned against Jehovah." Everything indicates 
that life was moved to its utmost depths (Psalm 51). 

124. Solomon. 

125. Amnon. 

126. Absalom. 

127. Flees from presence of David. 

128. His heart went out to Absalom in loving long- 
ing. 

129. Joab. 

130. That Absalom should not see his father's face. 

131. Two years. 

132. He at once began estranging the people from 
the king by hypocritical pretences of concern for their 
welfare. 

133. He "stole the hearts of the men of Israel." 

134. To Hebron that he might rally the forces of 
rebellion. 

135. He leaves the Holy City, humbled under the 
hand of God. 

136. (1) The directing of friendly peoples who ac- 
company him, to return to their homes. (2) The order- 
ing of the priest Zadok to return to Jerusalem, that 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 159 

public worship may be carried on. (3) The restora- 
tion of the ark to Jerusalem. (4) Worshiping God on 
Mt. Olivet, with no bitterness toward those responsible 
for his sorrows. 

137. "0 my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! 
Would I had died for thee, Absalom, my son, my son!" 

138. Against David's continual mourning for his 
unworthy son. 

139. In every way, nobility of heart is revealed. 
Xo one appeals to him in vain. He is free from the 
spirit of revenge, and his thought centers upon the 
temple and the things that tell for the glory of God. 

140. "I am going the way of all the earth: be thou 
strong therefore, and show thyself a man; and keep 
the charge of Jehovah thy God, to walk in his ways, 
to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his 
ordinances, and his testimonies, according to that which 
is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest pros- 
per in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou 
turnest thyself." 

141. A tribute of praise to "The Rock of Israel" 
contained in the twenty-third chapter of 2 Samuel. 

142. Seven years king of Judah and thirty -three 
king of all Israel. 

143. In "the city of David" — Jerusalem. 
The nation was prosperous within and honored 



against the house of Eli. 



144. 


The nation 


without. 




145. 


Adonijah. 


146. 


His death. 


147. 


Abiathar. 


14S. 


Prophecies 


149. 


Joab. 



160 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

150. That he should remain within the walls of 
Jerusalem. Violating this condition, Shimei was put 
to death. 

151. "The kingdom was established in the hand of 
Solomon." 

152. The daughter of Pharaoh. 

153. Worldly wisdom rather than faith. 

154. "Jehovah his God was with him, and magnified 
him exceedingly." 

155. At Gibeon. 

156. "Ask what I shall give thee." 

157. Long life, riches or the life of his enemies. 

158. "An understanding heart." 

159. That he should have what he asked, and un- 
asked riches and power and honor besides. 

160. He at once turns to Jehovah in sacrifices of 
deepest gratitude. 

161. That righteousness be maintained. 

162. Decision between two women claiming a child. 

163. (1) His rule unquestioned. 

(2) Xations paying tribute. 

(3) He and his court fare bountifully. 
(4 All the people dwell securely. 

(5) A vast number of horses and chariots fill 
his stables. 

164. The favor of Jehovah, giving the king "wis- 
dom and understanding" that brought "all peoples" to 
his feet. 

165. Hiram. 

166. "To build an house unto the Lord." 

167. Timber from the noted cedars of Lebanon. 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 161 

168. (1) Hiram is to have his men cut down the 

timber and convey it to the sea. 

(2) He is to float it in rafts to Joppa. 

(3) Here men of Israel are to take charge of 

it for the thirty-five mile overland haul 
to Jerusalem. 

169. Wheat and oil and wine. 

170. 1CL Moriah. 

171. (1) Xative freeborn Israelites (thirty thous- 

and) supplementing Hiram's force work- 
ing in the timber. 

(2) Hiram's subjects who work for pay. 

(3) Slaves. 

(4) Vassal Canaanites (seventy thousand 

burden-bearers and eighty thousand 
quarrymen). 

172. Ninety feet long, thirty-five feet broad, forty- 
five feet high. 

173. "It was meant for the symbolic habitation of 
God, not for the worship of great congregations." 

174. (1) Seven years and a half were consumed in 

its building. 

(2) Its cost is estimated from six hundred 

millions upward. 

(3) The summit of Mt. Moriah was enlarged 

to a space of five hundred yards square, 
this level being supported by walls the 
wonder of the world. 
(4) All utensils of the temple service were of 
pure gold. 

(5) The highest artistic skill of the world was 

lavished upon its decorations. 



H52 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM . 

(6) "The awful sense of its indwelling Deity 
gave it imperishable fame." 

175. About 1000 B. C. 

176. By Nebuchadnezzar, 587 B. C. 

177. Zerubbabel, 515 B. C. 

178. Herod, A. D. 20. 

179. Titus, A. D. 70. 

180 "The tent of meeting." 

181. (1) The king. 

(2) Elders of the people. 

(3) Priests bearing the ark and the tabernacle. 

(4) Levites carrying vessels and ornaments 

from tabernacle to temple. 

182. Will Jehovah accept this work and these o* r cr- 
ings? 

183. "The priests could not stand to minister by 
reason of the cloud; for the glory of Jehovah filled the 
house of Jehovah." 

184. He is thrilled to his inmost soul, and offers 
fervent and loving petitions to God. 

1S5. That the eyes of the Lord "may be open toward 
this house day and night." 

186. "Blessed be Jehovah, that hath given rest unto 
his people Israel according to all that he promised." 

187. A plea from God for his loyalty, and a warning 
against sin. 

188. Burden of taxation. 

189. (1) Pharaoh's daughter is in evidence. 

(2) Spirituality is yielding to splendors. 

(3) The praise ot the Queen of Sheba is sweet 

to the king's ears, and he delights in idle 
display of his wealth and power. 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 163 

(4) An ivory throne is established, overlaid 

with gold. 

(5) His drinking vessels are of gold. 

(6) Horsemen multiply. 

(7) Silver is esteemed as stones of the street. 

(8) Passion enters in, many foreign women 

being precious to the king. 

190. Idolatry. 

191. A message of rejection. 

192. "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity." 

193. The victor cry of Paul from Roman prison cell 
(2 Tim. 4: 6-8). 

194. "It became an architect and builder, it raised 
institutions, it enacted ordinances. In Abraham it 
founded a family, in Moses it framed a law, in David it 
erected a kingdom." 

105. David's Son. 

196. It is to be "made sure forever." 

197. As a mighty Conqueror whose enemies shall be 
his footstool. 

198. As a King with universal dominion. 

199. The "gates" are all to be opened to receive 
Him. 

200. Mockery, torture — "the dust of death." 

201. Saul, David and Solomon. 

202. Kingdom of Israel. 

203. Ten. 

204. Jeroboam. 

205. Kingdom of Judah. 

206. Judah and Benjamin. 

207. Pvehoboam. 

208. Twentv. 



164 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

209. Jeroboam, Ahab, Jehu, Jeroboam II. and 
Ho shea. 

210. Twenty. 

211. Kehoboam, Asa, Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah and 
Zedekiah. 

212. The northern kingdom embraced ten of the 
twelve tribes, and "its territory was not only far larger, 
but vastly richer both in natural resources and histor- 
ical associations. Moreover, the dependencies and allies 
of the Davidic kingdom, so far as they were retained at 
all, belonged mostly to Israel. " 

213. "The kings of Israel, from first to last, were 
idolatrous, and the people grew to be more and more 
so." By far the largest part of the ministry of the 
prophets was in behalf of the sinful northern kingdom. 
"Judah, though often idolatrous, was far more loyal to 
Jehovah." 

214. The greater stability of Judah is seen in the 
following facts: 

( 1 ) Judah had a single capital, Israel several cap- 
itals in succession. 

(2) Israel continued 250 years, with as many kings 
in that time as ruled over Judah in 400 years. 

215. The man who made Israel to sin. 

216. At Dan and Bethel. 

217. As a concession to his people of both North 
and South. 

218. Nadab, Baasha, Elah, Zimri, Tibni and Omri. 

219. Lawless violence prevails and false worship 
mocks God. 

220. Ahab and Jezebel. 

221. The basest and most vicious possible. 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 165 

222. Elijah. 

223. It is the life-line of Messianic promises. 

224. Away from God. 

225. Asa and Jehoshaphat. 
22'6. Back toward Jehovah. 

227. Men of age, wisdom and experience. 

228. Youthful flatterers. 

229. He walked in all the sins of his father. 

230. Forty-one years. 

231. He did that which was right in the eyes of the 
Lord, as did David his father. 

232. Between Israel and Judah. 

233. Ethiopian. 

234. Azariah. 

235. Twenty-five years. 

236. His heart wa& lifted up in the ways of the 
Lord. 

237. 975-721 B. C. 

238. Ahaziah and Jehoram. 

239. Sin alone prevails in palace councils. 

240. Jehu. 

241. That a man so true to a God-given commission 
as to others, should later prove disloyal himself. 

242. That his sons, to the fourth generation, should 
succeed him on the throne. 

243. A day of comparative prosperity — some efforts 
of rulers for good, but much pitiful weakness and sin. 

244. Elisha, Jonah and Hosea. 

245. All "the signs of the times." 

246. Shallum. 

247. One month. 

248. Menahem. 



166 SAUL TO BETBLEBEM. 

249. By tribute to Assyria. 

250. Pekahiah. 

251. Pekah. 

252. All his days lie departed not from the sins of 
Jeroboam. 

253. Assyria. 

254. Hoshea. 

255. The ninth. 

256. Ten. 

257. Judah. 

258. Jehoram and Ahaziah. 

259. Permitted, or even arranged, the marriage of 
his son. Jeroboam, to Athaliah, daughter of Ahab and 
Jezebel. 

260. He walked in the ways of the kings of Israel. 

261. He followed in the evil footsteps of his father, 
and his destruction was of God. 

262. The revolution under Jehu. 

263. The destruction of all "the seed royal." 

264. The babe Joash. 

265. The high priest Jehoiada. 

266. The seven-year-old lad Joash. 

267. During all his life he guided the young king 
in the ways of honor toward God. 

2'68. Princes of Judah who involve him even in 
idolatry. 

260. Amaziah, Uzziah, Jotham and Ahaz. 

270. Prosperous from worldly standpoints, but the 
trend against the God of Israel. Widespread idolatry 
marks the reign of Ahaz. 

271. Hezekiah. 

272. Joel, Amos, Micah, Nahum and Isaiah. 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 167 

273. "In the first year of his reign." 

274. The sixth. 

275. The fourteenth. 

276. Pays tribute to Assyria. 

277. They taunt Hezekiah with his helplessness. 

278. If any gods of the nations ever delivered them 
out of the hand of the king of Assyria? 

279. To Jehovah. 

280. Rends his clothes, covers himself with sackcloth 
and goes before Jehovah. 

281. Demand for surrender. 

282. Spreads it before Jehovah. 

283. "Now, therefore, Jehovah our God, save thou 
us." 

284. "That all the kingdoms of the earth may know 
that thou Jehovah art God alone." 

285. Isaiah. 

286. That the resources of Heaven are at command 
of the righteous. 

287. Their forces meet death in the night at the 
hand of the God of Israel's battles. 

288. Manasseh and Amon. 

289. Fifty-seven years of disloyalty to God. 

290. Josiah. 

291. He overthrew idolatry, repaired the temple, 
honored the Word of God and called feasts of the people. 

292. By interfering in warfare between Egypt and 
Assyria. 

293. Megiddo. 

294. Jehoahaz, reigning three months. 

295. Jehoiakim. 

296. Invasion by Nebuchadnezzar 



1'68 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

297. Daniel and his companions. 

298. Jehoiachin. 

299. A second invasion by Nebuchadnezzar, prom- 
inent men of affairs and craftsmen being taken captive. 

300. Zedekiah. 

301. (1) Jerusalem is taken, 

(2) The king blinded, 

(3) The Holy City desolated, 

(4) Walls of the temple thrown down, 

(5) Fire kindled to complete ruin. 

302. Xo outlook whatever except along the line of 
the promises of God! 

303. Daniel. 

304. Seventy years. 

305. In Israel's darkest day. 

306. Foretelling. 

307. Reform and good cheer. 

308. Rebuilding "waste places." 

309. The yearning affection of God. 

310. The coming One. 

311. The triumphal entry into Jerusalem. 

312. Micah. 

313. Jeremiah. 

314. Judah's pitifully low estate. 

315. Ezekiel and Jeremiah. 

316. Jonah, Joel, Nahum, Haggai and Habakkuk. 

317. Probation, Preparation, Conquest, Power and 
Decline. 

318. Servitude. 

319. All in captivity. 

320. It constitutes a testing-time. 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 169 

321. Some went down to defeat, losing grip on God. 
Others were impelled to a new consecration. 

322. A small company of husbandmen and vine- 
dressers whom Nebuchadnezzar left in Palestine. 

323. Jeremiah. 

324. The main portion of Judah. 

325. Daniel and his companions. 

326. A separate band of exiles, the fruit of Neb- 
uchadnezzar's second invasion. 

327. It voices itself in beautiful lament to the effect 
that they can not sing Jehovah's song in a foreign land 
or ever forget Jerusalem. 

328. "The glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the 
Chaldeans' pride." 

329. "It shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and 
Gomorrah." 

330. Cyrus the Persian. 

331. Balshazzar's. 

332. Mysterious handwriting on the wall. 

333. Daniel. 

334. "In the first year of Cyrus, king of Persia." 

335. Provision for the return of the Jews to Jerus- 
alem. 

336. Fifty thousand. 

337. Zerubbabel. 

338. About eighty years later. 

339. Ezra. 

340. Cupbearer to King Artaxerxes. 

341. Of the city's desolation. 

342. By carelessness of personal advantage and a 
petition to be allowed to lead a third movement for 
Jerusalem's upbuilding. 



170 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

343. A sacred altar service. 

344. Men of Tyre and Sidon. 

345. The laying of . the foundation of the temple. 

346. Aged men who cherish memories of Israel's 
glory days. 

347. Opposition. 

348. Appeals to the king that finally result in. 
stopping the work for a period of sixteen years. 

349. The work is pressed forward to the dedication 
of the temple. 

350. That he might teach in Israel the statutes and 
ordinances of Jehovah. 

351. Intermarriages between God's people and alien 
races. 

352. The people's penitent confession of sin. 

353. Many reforms and the compiling and editing 
of Old Testament Scriptures. 

354. Xehemiah. 

355. To "the good hand of my God." 

356. "Come, and let us build up the wall of Jerus- 
alem, that we be no more a reproach." 

357. Ridicule. 

358. By silence so far as enemies are concerned, but 
by continued prayer to God. 

359. A deceitful appeal for conference. 

360. "I am doing a great work, so that I cannot 
come down." 

361. Children of captivity. 

362. The ministry of prophets. 

363. Haggai. 

364. Jehovah's. 

365. Zerubbabel. 



HAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 17 i 

366. Zechariah. 

367. Obadiah. 

368. Malachi. 

369. "But unto you that fear my name, shall the sun 
of righteousness arise with healing in its beams." 

370. Four hundred. 

371. In "the fulness of times." 

372. Five. 

373. (1) Cyrus and Persian power. 

(2) Alexander and Macedonian power. 

(3) Syrian ascendancy. 

(4) Maccabean. 

(5) Roman. 

374. ( 1 ) It is a day of universal empire. 

(2) Good roadways make possible speedy trans- 

mission of tidings. 

(3) Day of light intellectually. 

(4) Day of carefully attested records. 

(5) Day of carelessness as to heathen re- 

ligions. 

( 6 ) Day of eager expectancy. 

375. Tidings of the birth of a Child about whom 
things are said that recall the words of Malachi about 
the Elijah who was to come. 

376. Tidings of the birth of a Child at whose advent 
angels spoke, declaring Him to be the foretold Saviour! 



172 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 



BOOK OUTLINES 



It is hoped that the following outlines will form a helpful 
supplement to the work that has gone "before. The books of 
the Law were outlined by C. S. Medbury, the Historical books 
by J. F. Bickel, and the Devotional and Prophetical books by 
Prof. A. D. Veatch. Cordially yours, 

Chas. S. Medbury. 
GENESIS. 

1. The Creation (1:1-8:14). 

2. Generations of Noah (8:15-11:26). 

3. Life and Times of Abraham ( 11 : 27-25 : 10). 

4. Life and Times of Isaac and Jacob (25: 11- 
36:43). 

5. Life and Times of Joseph (37: 1-50:26). 

EXODUS. 

1. The Burdens of Israel (1: 1-12). 

2. Moses the Deliverer (2: 1-4: 31). 

3. The Plagues of Egypt (5: 1-11: 10). 

4. The Passover and Departure from Egypt 

(12: 1-14: 31). 

5. From the Red Sea to Sinai (15: 1-18: 27). 

6. The Year at Sinai (19: 1-40:38). 

LEVITICUS. 

1. The Law of Offerings (1-7). 

2. The Consecration of Priests (8-10). 

3. Purification and Atonement (11-16). 

4. The Covenant of Holiness (17-27). 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 173 

NUMBERS. 

1. Preparation for Departure (1: 1-10: 10). 
Moses' Preparation for Departure from Sinai. 

2. Sinai to Nebo (10: 11-14: 45). Journeys from 
Sinai to the Borders of Canaan. 

3. Laws and Incidents (15:1-19:22). Laws 
and Incidents of Israel's Wanderings. 

4. Last Years oi Wanderings (20: 1-30: 13). 

DEUTERONOMY. 

1. First Oration of Moses (1:1-4:40). 

2. Second Oration (4:41-26:10). 

3. Third Oration (27:128:68). 

4. Fourth Oration (29 : 1-31 : 30) . 

5. Song of Moses (32: 1-4S). 

6. Last Words of Moses (33: 1-29). 

7. Death and Burial of Moses (34: 1-12). 

JOSHUA. 

1. Conquest of Western Palestine (1-12). 
2 Division of the Land among the Tribes 
(13*21). 

3. Settlement East of the Jordan ( 22 ) . 

4. Last Days and Words of Joshua (23, 24). 

JUDGES. 

1. Introduction — the Apostasy (1: 1-3:6). 

2. Israel under the Judges (3: 7-16: 31). 

3. Local History (17-21). 

RUTH. 

1. Introduction (1: I. 2). 

2. Sorrows in Moab (1:3-5). 

3. Facing Homeward (1:6-15). 



174 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

4. Triumph of Naomi's Faith (1: 16-18). 

5. The Return to Bethlehem (1: 19-22). 

6. The Opening of the Way (2: 1-23). 

7. The Plan of Naomi (3:15). 

8. The Response of Boaz (3: 6-18). 

9. The Kinsman's Part (4: 1-22). 

1 SAMUEL. 

1. The Last of the Judges (1-7). 

(1) 'Samuel the God-given Child (1: 1-2: 10). 

(2) Eli's Death and that of His Sons (2:11- 

4: 22). 

(3) Journeys of the Ark Among the Philis- 

tines (5, -6). 

( 4 ) Samuel as Judge of Israel ( 7 ) . 

2. The Beginning of the Monarchy (8-11). 

3. Samuel's Parting Address (12). 

4. Saul's Reign (13-31). 

( 1 ) The Military Situation at the Beginning 

of His Reign (13). 

(2) Jonathan's Victory and Trespass (14). 

(3) Saul Rejected by Jehovah (15). 

(4) David Anointed (16). 

(5) David's Victory Over Goliath (17). 

(6) Saul's Jealous Persecution of David 

(18-27). 

(7) Saul's Last Days and His Death (28-31). 

2 SAMUEL. 

1, David's Growing Power (1-10). 

(1) Tidings of Saul's Death (1\. 

(2) David and Ish-bosheth (2-4). 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 175 

(3) David is Made King over All the Tribes 

at Hebron ( 5 ) . 

(4) Moving the Ark (6). 

(5) God's Promise to David (7). 

(6) War with the Philistines (8). 

(7) Kindness to Saul's House (9). 

(8) War with the Syrians (10). 

2. David's Great Sin and Its Consequences 
(11-20). 

( 1 ) His Treachery to Uriah (11). 

(2) Nathan's Rebuke to David (12). 

( 3 ) Amnon and Absalom ( 13 ) . 

(4) Absalom's Return (14). 

(5) Absalom's Pvebellion (15-19). 

(6) Sheba's Rebellion (20). 

3. Some Incidents of David's Reign (not chron- 
ologically arranged) (21-24). 

(1) The Gibeonites' Vengeance on Saul (21: 

1-14). 

(2) War With the Philistines (21: 15-22). 

(3) A Psalm of Thanksgiving (22). 

(4) The Last Words of David (23: 1-7). 

(5) David's Mighty Men and Their Deeds 

(23: 8-39). 

(6) David's Sin in Numbering Israel (24). 

1 AND 2 KINGS, 

1. Solomon's Reign (1 Kings 1-11). 

(1) Becoming Settled in the Kingdom (1-4). 

(2) The Building and Dedication of the Tem- 

ple (5-9). 

(3) The Grandeur of His Reign (10). 



176 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

(4) His Sin in His Last Days (11). 

2. Israel and Judah (1 Kings 12-2 Kings 17). 

(1) The Rival Kingdoms (1 Kings 12-16; 2 

Kings 10-16). 

(2) Importance of the Prophets (1 Kings 11, 

13, 14, 17-2 Kings 9, 13). 

(3) The Destruction of the Kingdom of Israel 

(17). 

3. Judah Alone (2 Kings 18-25). 

(1) Independence of Foreign Rule (18:1- 

23: 31). 

(2) Judah as a Dependency (23: 31-24: 20). 

(3) Captivity of Judah (25). 

1 CHRONICLES. 

1. Origin and Chief Men of Israel (1-9). 

(1) From Shem to Jacob (1). 

(2) Davidic Descent (2, 3). - 

(3) Some of Jacob's Sons (4, 5). 

(4) The Priests and Their Descendants (6, 7). 

(5) Other Chief Men (8, 9). 

2. The Reign of David (10-22). 

(1) End of the Reign of Saul (10). 

(2) David's Forces (11, 12). 

(3) Moving the Ark (13-16). 

(4) David's Purpose to Build a Temple 

(17, 22). 

(5) David's Victories (18-20). 

(G) David's Sin in Numbering Israel (21). 

3. Solomon as King (23 29). 

(1) Official Divisions (23-27). 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 177 

(2) David's Last Charge and Prayer (28: 1- 

29:27). 

(3) The Death of David (29:28-30). 

2 CHRONICLES. 

1. The Reign of Solomon (1-9). 

His prayer for wisdom, building of the temple and 
its dedication, various duties assigned for the worship, 
the visit of the Queen of Sheba, Solomon's great riches, 
presents, foreign leagues, and his ivory throne, length of 
his reign and his death. 

2. The Division (10). 

Dissension and Schism in the Kingdom. 

3. Davidic Kings (11: 1-36: 17). 

The Reigns of the Davidic Kings in Judah. 

4. The Captivity (36: 17-23). 

The Captivity to Babylon and Deliverance by 



Cyrus. 



EZRA. 



1. First Return (1-6). 

First Return of the Israelites from Captivity under 
Zerubbabel. 

(1) Decree of Cyrus, and Names of Those Who 

Returned (1, 2). 

(2) Restoration of Sacrifices and the Feast of 

Tabernacles ( 3 : 1-7 ) . 

(3) Building of the Temple and its Dedication, 

and the Feast of the Passover (3: 8-6: 
22). 

2. Second Return (7-10). 

Second Return of the Israelites under Ezra. 



178 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

( 1 ) Decree of Artaxerxes and Those Who Re- 

turned (7, 8). 

(2) Reformation of Religion Accomplished by 

Ezra (9, 10). 

NEHEMIAH. 

1. Nehemiah's Journey to Jerusalem ( 1, 2). 

( 1 ) Tidings from Jerusalem ( 1 ) . 

(2) The King's Favor to Nehemiah (2: 1-9). 

(3) Resolution to Build (2: 10-20). 

2. The Walls Built (3 7). 

(1) Division, of the Labor (3). 

( 2 ) Opposition to the Jews ( 4-6 ) . 

(3) List of Those Who Came from Babylon 

(7). 

3. Nehemiah's Administration (8-13). 

(1) The Law Read, and Its Effect (8-10). 

(2) Divisions of the Inhabitants (11). 

(3) The Priests and Levites in Jerusalem (12). 

( 4 ) Xehemiah's Reforms ( 13 ) . 

ESTHER. 

1. A Plot Against the Jews (1-3). 

( 1 ) The Deposed Queen ( 1 ) . 

(2) Esther Chosen (2: 1-20). 

(3) Mortfecai's Service to the King (2: 21-23). 

(4) Haman and Mordecai (3). 

2. Esther Saves Her People (4-9). 

(1) Mordecai and Esther (4). 

(2) Esther's Two Banquets (5). 

(3) Mordecai's Ovation (0). 

(4) The Downfall of Hainan (7). 

(5) The Jews' Vengeance (8: 1-9: 17). 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 179 

3* Peace Confirmed to the Jews (9: 17-10:3). 

(1) Feast of Purim (9: 17-32). 

(2) The Greatness of Mordecai (10). 

JOB. 

1. The Prologue (1, 2). 

2. The Argument (3: 1-42: 7). 

(1) The First Series of Speeches (3-14). 

(2) The Second Series of Speeches (15-21). 

(3) The Third Series of Speeches (22-31). 

(4) The Speech of Elihu (32-37). 

( 5 ) The Speech of Jehovah ( 38 : 1-42 : 6 ) . 

3. The Epilogue (42: 7-17). 

PSALMS. 

1. Book One (1-41). 

2. Book Two (42-72). 

3. Book Three (73-89). 

4. Book Four (90-106). 

5. Book Five (107-150). 

PROVERBS. 

1. The Title of the Entire Book (1: 1). 

2. The Praise of Wisdom (1:2-9: 18). 

3. The Proverbs of Solomon (10: 1-22: 16). 

4. The Words of the Wise (22: 17-24: 34). 

5. The Proverbs of Solomon (copied out by men 
of Hezekiah) (25-29). 

6. The "Words of Agur (30). 

7. The Words of Lemuel (31: 1-9) 

8. The Virtuous Woman (31: 10-31). 

ECCLESIASTES. 
1. The Title of the Entire Book (1: 1). 



180 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

2. The Question Stated (1:2-11). 

3. The Search into All Things (1: 12-2: 26). 
4| A Season for Everything (3). 

5. The Oppression under the Sun (4, 5). 

6. Fate and Wisdom (6-10). 

7. Instruction and Admonition (11: 1-12: 12). 

8. The Final Conclusion (12: 13, 14). 

SONG OF SOLOMON*. 

1. Act One — Two Scenes (1:1-2:7). 

2. Act Two— Two Scenes (2:8-3:5). 

3. Act Three — Fouif Scenes (3:0-5:8). 

4. Act Four — Four Scenes (5:9-8:4). 

5. Act Five — One Scene (8:5-14). 

ISAIAH. 

l f The Kingdoms of Judah and Israel (1-12) 

2. The Foreign Nations (13-23). 

3. The Judgment of the World (24-27). 

4. The Relation of Judah and Assyria 
(28-33). 

5. The Future of Edom and of Israel (34 # 35) 

6. A Section of History (36-39). 

7. Israel's Restoration from Exile (40-66). 

JEREMIAH. 

1. Discourses during Reign of Josiah (1-6; 17: 

19-27; 30). 

2. Discourses during Reign of Jehoiakiu 

(7-10; 14-20; 23:9-40: 25: 26: 35; 36: 45). 

3. Discourses during Reign of Jehoiachin 

(13.) 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 181 

4. Discourses during Reign of Zedekiah ( 11 ; 

12; 21-23:8; 24; 27-29; 32-34; 37; 38). 

5. History of Jeremiah (30:1-31; 40:1-43:7). 
Also Discourses in Palestine after Capture of Jeru- 
salem. 

6. Discourses to Jews in Egypt (43:8-13; 46: 
13-28). 

7. Discourses Concerning Foreign Nations 
(46-51). 

8. Historical Appendix (52). 

LAMENTATIONS. 

1. The Desolation of Jerusalem ( 1 ) . 

2. Jehovah's Anger Against Zion ( 2 ) . 

3. The Complaint of the Nation (3). 

4. The Past and Present Contrasted (4). 

5. An Appeal for Compassion (5). 

EZEKIEL. 

1. The Approaching Fall of Jerusalem (1-24). 

2. Prophecies concerning Foreign Nations 

(25-32). 

3. The Restoration of Israel (33-48). 

(1) The Land and People (33-39). 

(2) The Constitution of the Restored Theoc- 
racy (40-48). 

DANIEL. 

1. The Test (1: 1-21). Daniel and His Compan- 
ions in Training at the Court of Nebuchadnezzar. 

2. The Image (2, 3). The Image in Dream and 
Reality. 

3. The Edict ( 4 ) . Edict of Xebuchadnezzar con- 
cerning the God of Israel. 



182 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

4. The Feast ( 5 ) . Belshazzar's Feast. 

5. The Promotion (6). Consequences of Daniel's 
Promotion by Darius. 

6. The Visions (7 12). 

( 1 ) A Vision by Daniel of Four Beasts in 

First Year of Belshazzar (7). 

(2) A Vision by Daniel of Two Beasts in Third 

Year of Belshazzar (8). 

(3) Daniel's Prayer and Vision in First Year 

of Darius (9). 

(4) Daniel's Vision in Third Year of Cyrus 

(10-12). 

HOSEA. 

1. A Symbolical Representation (1-3). A Sym- 
bolical Representation of Israel's Apostasy and Resto- 
ration. 

2. The Gnilt of Israel (4-8). 

3. The Punishment of Israel (9 11). 

4. The Guilt and Punishment of Israel Con- 
tinued (12, 13). 

5. A Brighter Future for Israel (14). 

JOEL. 

1. An Exhortation to Repentance (1: 1-2: 11). 

2. An Exhortation to Keep a Solemn Fast 

(2: 12-27). 

3. The Restoration of God's People ( 2 : 28-3 : 

21). 

AMOS. 

1. Introductory Discourse (1, 2). Introductory 
Discourse on Surrounding Nations, Judah and Israel. 

2. Three Discourses (3-6). Three Discourses 



SAUL TO BETHLEHEM, 183 

Against Israel, Each Beginning with "Hear this word." 

3. A Series of Visions (7:1-9; 8:1-9:6). 

4. An Historic Interlude (7: 10-17). 

5. Tabernacle Restored (0:7-15), The Taber- 
nacle of David Restored. 

OBADIAH. 

1. The Destruction of Edom (1-16). 

2. The Restoration and Victory of Israel 
(17-21). 

JONAH. 

1. The First Commission of Jonah (1, 2). 

( 1 ) The Sea Voyage. 

(2) The Experience in the Fish. 

2. The Second Commission of Jonah (3, 4). 

(1) His Preaching and Its Effect. 

(2) His Displeasure at God's Repentance. 

MICAH. 

1. Reproof and Denunciation (1-3). 

2. Promise and Hope (4, 5 ) . 

3. Jehovah and Israel in Controversy (6, 7). 

NAHUM. 

1. Jehovah in Judgment (1: 1-8). 

2. Assyrian Yoke Broken (1:9-15). The Yoke 
of Assyria Broken from Israel. 

3. Siege of Nineveh (2, 3). Graphic Description 
of Siege of Nineveh. 

HABAKKUK. 
1. Complaint Answered (1: 1-2: 4). Coming of 
Chaldeans — The Prophet's Complaint and the Answer. 



184 SAUL TO BETHLEHEM. 

2. Woes Pronounced ( 2 : 5-20 ) . Woes Pro- 
nounced upon the Proud and Wicked. 

3. Prayer Offered (3). 

ZEPHANIAH. 

1. Denunciation (2: 1-3). Denunciation against 
Judah for Idolatry. 

2. Prophecies (2:4-15). Prophecies against Sin- 
rounding Nations. 

3. Captivity (3). Captivity and Restoration of 
the Jews. 

HAGGAI. 

1. The Delay (1). Rebuke and Tts Effect, for De- 
lay in Rebuilding the Temple. 

2. The New Temple (2: 1-0). The New Temple 
More Glorious than the Old. 

3. The Punishment (2: 10-19). Punishment for 
Sin and Delay. 

4. The Messianic King ( 2 : 20-23 ) . 

ZECHARIAH. 

1. An Exhortation (1:1-6). An Exhortation to 
Repent. 

2. Vision (1:7-6:8). Eight Symbolical Visions. 

3. Hope (7. 8). Instead of Mourning, Hope for the 
Messianic Kingdom. 

4. Hadrach and Damascus (0, 10). Burden of 
Jehovah against Hadrach and Damascus. 

5. Israel (12-14). Burden of Jehovah against 
Israel. 



8 ALL TO BETHLEHEM. 185 

MALACHI. 

1. Gentiles Do Better than Jews (1). 

2. The Commandment for the Priests (2). 

3. The Coming Messianic Kingdom (3, 4). To 

Destroy the Evil and Save the Grood. 



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Rrice, $I.OO 



THE QUERISTS' DRAWER 

WRITTEN BY ISAAC ERRETT-EDITED BY Z. T. SWEENEY 

The most helpful volume ever published for the busy 
Sunday-school worker, church worker and minister. The 
author was one of the most prominent men of his day and 
his counsel was sought by men of all beliefs. The questions 
touch all important subjects of religion and the answers 
are given in the most concise way possible. It is undoubt- 
edly the greatest help published in preparing the Sunday- 
school lesson, as the questions asked and answered touch all 
portions of the Bible. 

These questions are from inquirers seeking the truth 
and come from all corners of the earth. Over two hundred 
of the most difficult questions that confront the individual 
and church life are answered in a most illuminating way 
and over three hundred of the most difficu It Scriptural 
texts are commented on. The subjects discussed are alpha- 
betically arranged and the texts commented on are 
arranged in chronological order. 

The book is handsomely bound in cloth and stamped in 
gold and will make a* beautiful addition to every library. 

Price, Sl.SO 

THE STANDARD PUBLISHING CO. 

CINCINNATI, O. 



"WHAT'S THE ANSWER?" 



Charley met his friend James upon the street and told 
him that he had been fishing. "How many fish did you 
catch?" asked James. 

John replied : "If to the number of the books of the Old 
Testament you add the number of the books in the New 
Testament ; multiply that by the number of apostles that 
were present at the transfiguration ; divide by the number 
of the books written by Luke ; subtract the number of times 
the Israelites marched around Jericho ; multiply by the 
number of pieces of silver Judas received for betraying 
Christ ; divide by the number of spies Moses sent into 
Canaan ; add the number of letters in the name of the city 
in which a man climbed up a tree to see Christ ; divide by 
the number of apostles that were called the 'sons of thun- 
der,' the answer will be the number of fish I caught." 

The answer to this question is 111. 

This is one of fifty-two interesting Bible problems found 
in a book called "What's the Answer?" This book may be 
secured from the Standard Publishing Company, Cincinnati, 
O., for 25 cents, postpaid. 

What One of These Problems Did 

One of these problems was given to a boy who went 
home very enthusiastic about finding the answer. He got 
along all right until he came to the name of the city In 
which a man climbed up a tree to see Christ. He went t© 
his mother and asked her if she knew what the man's name 
was and in what city he lived. She did not want to say 
that she did not know, so she put him off until the next 
day. In the meantime, she called up her preacher, and he 
said he would look it up. The boy then went the next 
day to school and asked his public-school teacher. She 
said the incident was very familiar to her, but she would 
tell him the next day just where to find it. This public- 
school teacher went home and asked her mother, who said 
she had heard of the story, but could not locate it. This 
mother also called up her preacher, and that preacher aaid 
he would look it up. From this one question at least two 
mothers, one public-school teacher and two preachers were 
taught that Zaccheus was the man that climbed up a tree 
to see Christ, and that he lived in Jericho. Get these puzzle 
problems and try them in your class. 



"A BlBLE-SCHOOL VISION" 

BY 

P. H. WELSHIMER 

This book tells how a school was built op from \ 53 

to 2,600 and how seven adult classes were built 

up from nearly nothing to a combined 

enrollment of nearly J,500. 

The Table of Contents will {jive yon some idea of the sub- 
jects discussed. 

CHAPTER I.- A Bible-school Vision. 

CHAPTER II.— The Relation of the Minister to the School. 

CHAPTER III.— The Superintendent. 

CHAPTER IV.— Officers. 

CHAPTER V.-The Teacher. 

CHAPTER VI.— The Bible School Graded and Equipped. 

CHAPTER VII. — Securing and Holding Attendance. 

CHAPTER VIII.— Red-letter Days. 

CHAPTER IX.— Bible-school Problems. 

CHAPTER X.— The Adult Bible Class. 

Drill Questions. — Answers to Drill Questions 

Manila Binding, postpaid, 30c. 
Cloth Binding, postpaid, 50c. 

Isn't it worth SOc. to you to get 

"A BIBLE-SCHOOL VISION"? 

Address 

THE STANDARD PUBLISHING COMPANY, 

Cincinnati, O. 



ADVANCED TRAINING COURSE 



FIRST YEAR 

1 THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH 

(20 lessons) by Herbert Moninger 

Or STUDIES IN THE GOSPELS AND ACTS 

(20 lessons) by Herbert Moninger 

2 FROM EDEN TO THE JORDAN 

(20 lessons) by Charles S. Medbury 

3 A BIBLE-SCHQOL VISION 

(10 lessons) by P. H. Welshimer 



SECOND YEAR 

1 FROM THE JORDAN TO THE THRONE OF SAUL 

(20 lessons) by Charles S. Medbury 

2 STUDIES IN THE EPISTLES AND REVELATION 

(20 lessons) by Wm. B. Taylor 

3 MISSIONS VOL.I. 

(10 lessons) by Charles T. Paul 



THIRD YEAR 

1 FROM THE THRONE OF SAUL TO BETHLEHEM 

(20 lessons) by Charles S. Medbury 

2 COMMON SENSE 

(20 lessons) by E. W. Thornton 

3 MISSIONS VOL. II. 

(10 lessons) by Charles T. Paul 



These books are 25 cents, not postpaid ; 30 cents, postpaid. 

THE STANDARD PUBLISHING CO 
Box 5, Station N, Cincinnati, O. 



SOME SURE'NOUGH SMILES 

W. C. Pearce, International Adnlt Department Super- 
intendent, says that one of the things most needed just now 
is something'to supply the social life of the young people's 
Bible classes. In answer to this we have published iour 
games that contain fine fun and furnish profitable pleasure 

I'M A BIBLE MAN 

By L. O. Thompson. One hundred verses on Bible men. 
Copy, 20c. The name of some Bible man is pinned on 
each man present. Then each lady is given a verse of 
poetry describing a Bible man. The ladies are to hunt up 
their "Bible Men." Here is one verse : 

"He is the man the ravens fed, 

When he from Jezebel had lied ; 

He dares the sins of Ahab tell ; 

His mantle on a plowman fell." —Elijah, 

I'M A BIBLE WOMAN 

By L. O. Thompson. Fifty verses on Bible women. Per 
copy, 20c. This is similar to "I'm a Bible Man." 

BELLES OF THE GARDEN 

By L. O. Thompson. Fifty verses on things raised in the 
garden. Per copy, postpaid, 20c. Each lady has pinned 
on her dress the name of something that grows in the 
garden, like Miss Lettuce, Miss Parsley, Miss Squash. 
Each man is given a verse of poetry describing these things 
that grow in a garden. Here is one verse : 

"I am unlike the blushing rose — 

It is my nature, I suppose — 

But when the guests are not around, 

I'm always on the table found ; 

And that I think is really mean, 

I've earned the right to pose as queen." 

—Onion. 

PROFITABLE PLEASURE 

By Justin N. Green. Postpaid, lOc. This book is 
a compilation of games from some 800 adult Bible classes, 
giving what these classes are doing for the social life. 

Address all orders and requests to 

THE STANDARD PUBLISHING COMPANY 

CINCINNATI, O. 



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